A long-term study conducted in the United States has revealed that flossing can help prevent serious illnesses such as stroke and heart disease.
According to a report published in the medical journal Heart, findings presented at an annual conference in the U.S. highlighted surprising benefits of flossing.
Researchers analyzed data from 6,000 individuals collected over the past 25 years to determine the effects of flossing. They found that nearly 4,100 of these participants did not experience any complications related to heart disease or stroke.
Among the 6,000 participants, 434 suffered a stroke, 147 experienced arterial blockages, 97 had heart blood clotting, and 95 developed severe high blood pressure due to narrowed blood vessels.
The study found that individuals who flossed at least once a week were significantly less likely to develop stroke and heart disease complications. These issues were observed primarily in those who did not floss over the nearly three-decade study period.
According to experts, flossing daily or at least once a week can reduce the risk of stroke by 22% and the chances of heart disease by 44%.
Researchers also emphasized that brushing teeth regularly and consulting dental professionals for checkups further enhances oral health and helps prevent serious complications. They highlighted that dental issues are directly linked to heart and brain diseases.
It is worth noting that flossing, the practice of removing food particles stuck between teeth using a thin stick or dental floss, is also a Sunnah (practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
Experts acknowledged that flossing is the easiest and most accessible method of dental hygiene, whereas brushing requires additional tools and materials.
