Last Reviewed 21 August 2025
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Table of Contents
How Flossing and Good Dental Hygiene Could Lower Your Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
Did you know that a simple daily habit like flossing might help protect your heart and brain? It’s true – taking care of your teeth isn’t just about preventing cavities or keeping a bright smile. Research shows that dental hygiene practices, especially flossing, may play a role in reducing the risk of serious health issues like stroke and heart disease. At Calm Dental in Bermondsey, we’ve long believed that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body. In this article, we’ll explain the surprising link between flossing and cardiovascular health, and share practical oral hygiene tips to keep both your smile and your heart in great shape.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart: What’s the Connection?
For years, doctors and dentists have observed a connection between gum health and heart health. Gum disease (periodontal disease) doesn’t just threaten your teeth – it’s been linked with higher risks of heart problems. In fact, people with untreated gum disease “have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event” compared to those with healthy gums (source).
While having gum disease doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a heart issue, the association is strong enough that it’s seen as yet another reason to be vigilant about preventing gum disease. The theory is that inflammation in infected gums can spread or contribute to inflammation in the blood vessels, which may help plaque build up in arteries. Over time, that can increase the chance of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.
Simply put: a healthy mouth can help support a healthy heart.
What Studies Say About Flossing and Stroke Risk
You might be wondering, “Can flossing really make a difference to my heart or stroke risk?” Surprisingly, recent research suggests it can. A major study presented at a 2025 stroke conference found that people who flossed their teeth at least once a week had significantly lower chances of certain types of strokes (source). Specifically, flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the kind caused by blood clots in the brain) and an impressive 44% lower risk of strokes caused by clots that travel from the heart (source). The researchers even noted flossing was linked with a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke. These benefits seemed to be independent of other factors like brushing or regular dental visits – meaning flossing itself added protection.
Why might flossing have this effect? One reason could be that flossing prevents gum infection and inflammation that might otherwise contribute to strokes. The study’s lead author explained that oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening, and flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation (source). It’s fascinating to think that a simple habit like cleaning between your teeth could have such far-reaching benefits. While more research is ongoing (and this particular study is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal), the findings give us yet another good reason not to skip flossing. After all, flossing is easy, inexpensive, and accessible to everyone – a small step that might protect your health in a big way.
Why Flossing Could Protect Your Heart
Flossing’s power comes from its role in preventing gum disease. When you floss, you remove the sticky plaque and food particles lurking between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. This is crucial because that plaque harbours bacteria which can irritate your gums and cause inflammation.
Over time, irritated gums can lead to gingivitis (early gum disease) and, if untreated, progress to full-blown periodontal disease. Gum infection doesn’t just stay in your mouth; it can let bacteria enter your bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body. Experts describe periodontal disease as increasing the body’s “burden of inflammation,” which can contribute to problems like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)(source). By flossing daily, you keep your gums healthier and reduce this chronic inflammatory load.
Think of it this way: flossing is a preventive strike against the gum inflammation that might spill over and affect your heart. This isn’t just theory – maintaining good oral hygiene has shown tangible benefits for heart health in studies. For example, a study in the Journal of Periodontal Research found that even among people who already had heart disease, those who cleaned between their teeth (with floss or similar tools) had significantly fewer new heart issues over the next year than those who did not (source).
And as mentioned earlier, preventing gum disease means you’re potentially avoiding the two-to-three-fold increase in heart attack or stroke risk associated with unhealthy gums (source). While scientists continue to untangle all the exact reasons, the message is clear: taking care of your gums is taking care of your heart.
Tips for Better Dental Hygiene and a Healthy Heart
The good news is that protecting your oral health – and by extension, possibly your heart – is straightforward. It comes down to consistent dental hygiene habits and smart lifestyle choices. Here are some friendly tips to keep your smile and heart in top shape:
Floss daily: Try to floss once a day, ideally at night before bed when you’ve finished eating for the day. This routine clears out plaque between teeth so it can’t irritate your gums overnight. If traditional floss is tricky, don’t give up – you can use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean between teeth, as these can be just as effective. The key is finding a method you’ll stick with each day.
Brush twice a day (properly): Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Take your time – about two minutes – and use a gentle circular motion. Good brushing removes plaque on the surfaces of your teeth, while flossing handles the in-between areas. Together, daily brushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse early gum disease (gingivitis) by stopping plaque buildup.
Don’t ignore bleeding gums: If you notice your gums bleed when flossing or brushing, it could be a sign of gingivitis or gum inflammation. Rather than avoiding those areas, keep cleaning them gently and consistently. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed, so bleeding is a cue to improve your oral care. If it persists, see your dentist for advice – catching gum issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle: Good oral care works even better alongside overall healthy habits. Eating a balanced diet low in added sugars helps both your teeth and heart. Not smoking is crucial (smoking harms gums and blood vessels alike). And of course, regular exercise and managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure will support your cardiovascular health on all fronts. Think of flossing as one important piece of the health puzzle.
Get regular dental check-ups and cleanings: No matter how diligent you are at home, nothing replaces a professional exam and cleaning. Routine dental visits (every six months, typically) allow your dentist or hygienist to remove hardened tartar and spot any gum inflammation before it worsens. For example, during a regular dental check up in Bermondsey with our Calm Dental team, we can identify early signs of gum disease and give you tailored guidance on flossing technique. Professional cleanings also leave your teeth and gums refreshed, which makes it easier to keep them healthy at home.
Keeping Your Smile and Heart Healthy in Southwark
At Calm Dental, our goal is to help you maintain excellent oral health as part of your overall well-being. We serve patients across Bermondsey and the wider Southwark community (SE1), and we often remind everyone that a little daily flossing is a simple, affordable habit with big benefits. It not only keeps your breath fresh and prevents cavities, but it also may lower the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke – as emerging research suggests. By flossing regularly, brushing conscientiously, and visiting your dentist for check-ups, you’re investing in more than just your smile. You’re taking steps toward a healthier life.
Bottom line: Flossing is a quick task that can pay off in ways you might not expect. When it comes to your health, the mouth is truly connected to the rest of your body. So tonight, when you spend a minute cleaning between your teeth, feel good about it – you’re not just protecting your gums and teeth, you might be protecting your heart too. And if you need any help or have questions about flossing, our friendly team at Calm Dental in Bermondsey is always here to help you keep your dental health (and heart health) on the right track. Here’s to healthy smiles and happy hearts!
Sources: Recent medical and dental studies on oral health and cardiovascular health were referenced for this article, including findings published by the American Stroke Association (newsroom.heart.org) and Harvard Health Publishing (health.harvard.edu; health.harvard.edu), among others. These studies support the link between gum disease and increased heart risk, as well as the benefits of flossing for reducing inflammation and improving overall health.