Experts say one minute a week slashes risk of stroke by half | UK | News

Recent research has uncovered that adopting a straightforward weekly habit could dramatically reduce your stroke risk by nearly 50%. This revelation comes after a new study at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025 highlighted the ‘lifesaving’ advantages of regular teeth flossing.

The study revealed that flossing at least once a week, minimum, can significantly decrease the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot obstructing brain blood flow and irregular heart rhythms by up to 44%. The conference, held in Los Angeles, is a globally renowned gathering for researchers and clinicians committed to the science of stroke and brain health.

Despite the numerous benefits of flossing—not just for maintaining fresh breath or preventing cavities but also for overall wellness—reports indicate that around 33% of British adults never floss. Dental experts emphasise the importance of flossing as a key part of oral hygiene, alongside brushing twice daily and using mouthwash, even though many people neglect this step.

Poor dental health can significantly heighten your risk of stroke, heart disease, systemic inflammation, and even Alzheimer’s disease. While flossing can be done as infrequently as once a week, it should ideally be a daily routine.

Flossing an adult set of teeth typically takes between one to two minutes, although the exact duration depends on how thorough you are, reports Surrey Live.

Flossing is a crucial step in preserving top-notch dental health. It plays a vital role in preventing cavities, gum disease, and plaque accumulation.

For optimal oral hygiene, it’s recommended to floss before bedtime, ensuring you clean between each pair of teeth and spend a few moments on either side of every tooth. A gentle up-and-down scraping motion against each tooth will yield the best results.

Key findings from the study

• Flossing reduces the risk of cardioembolic stroke (clots from the heart) by 44%.
• Flossing is linked to a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the most common type caused by blood clots).
• Flossing also lowers the risk of AFib, a heart condition, by 12%
• Increasing the frequency of flossing had a greater chance of stroke risk reduction.
• Flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease.
• These benefits are independent of brushing or regular dental visits, meaning flossing alone has a major impact.

The study began in 1987 and continues to this day. The research involved 6,258 participants, with 82% identifying as white adults and 18% as black adults.

The average age of those taking part was 62 years, and women made up 55% of the group. Those with total tooth loss, dental implants, heart disease, organ transplants, artificial joints, implanted heart valves or stents, or who had undergone major surgery were not included in the study.

The study’s lead author, Souvik Sen, MD, MS, MPH, who is also the chair of the Department of Neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, highlighted the global burden of oral diseases. He said: « A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases – such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease – affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions. »

Dr Sen further explained the study’s objectives, saying: « We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behaviour – dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits – has the greatest impact on stroke prevention. »

He added: « Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits. Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere. »

For those looking to maintain a healthy mouth, here are a few pointers: Aim to floss at least once a week, though doing it daily is optimal for reducing bacteria and inflammation.

Don’t overlook the importance of a tongue scraper; a 2022 study discovered that as much as 80% of harmful bacteria in the mouth reside on the tongue—regular scraping can alleviate pressure on the gut microbiome.

Stimulating your gums is crucial to prevent bacteria that could lead to stroke or other systemic illnesses. For a more effective clean, especially when traditional flossing proves challenging or is done sporadically, utilise an efficient flossing tool.

Additional ways to lower your stroke risk include maintaining a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, staying active with regular exercise, scheduling routine visits to your dentist and hygienist, and managing your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.