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The key bathroom habit that could slash risk of stroke by 44%, study finds
Plus, learn how to spot the signs of a stroke—and what to do if you or someone else is at risk. Timing could make all the difference.
WE all know brushing twice a day is key to keeping those pearly whites sparkling.
But new research suggests there’s another bathroom habit that might just be the real game-changer in preventing something even worse than yellow teeth.
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People who floss their teeth at least once a week lower their risk of suffering a potentially fatal stroke.
Scientists from the University of South Carolina say the benefits, including lower infection risk and less swelling in the blood vessels, are separate from toothbrushing.
They studied 25 years of data from more than 6,000 people.
It showed regular flossing was associated with a 22 per cent lower risk of ischemic stroke – the most common type.
Read more on stroke
People who cleaned between their teeth also had a 44 per cent lower risk of cardioembolic stroke and 12 per cent lower risk of an irregular heartbeat.
About 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK and there are 1.3million living survivors.
Strokes happen when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, usually by a clot.
Study author Professor Souvik Sen said: “Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening.
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“Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits.
“It is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
Millions at risk of 'silent killer' that triggers heart attacks and stroke - as doctors warn it's 3 times more common than feared
Flossing as little as once a week was enough to lower risk but doing it more often improved the chance of stroke risk reduction.
The lower risk appeared to be extra to the benefits of regular brushing or dental visits.
Flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and gum disease.
The NHS recommends that people floss before toothbrushing to remove tiny bits of food between the teeth.
Surveys show only 30 per cent of Brits floss regularly.
The findings of the study will be presented at the conference of the American Stroke Association.
Don't delay... if you spot signs of a stroke dial 999 immediately
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
A STROKE is a medical emergency, that's why knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.
It happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing off cells. The damage caused can affect how the body works, and the effects depend on where in the brain a stroke strikes.
There are three different types of stroke:
- Ischaemic stroke - where a blockage, like a blood clot, cuts off the blood supply to the brain
- Haemorrhagic stroke - caused by a bleed in or around the brain
- Transient ischaemic attack - also known as a 'mini stroke', this is a big warning sign of a full-blown stroke. It's similar to a stroke but symptoms are shorter lived.
Every stroke is different but they can affect a patient's ability to speak, move, think and feel. They can cause behavioural changes as well as emotional challenges.
They can happen to any of us, regardless of our age. That's why it's important to educate yourself on the warning signs.
The faster you get medical help and treatment, the more likely it is that the damage caused can be reversed and stopped in its tracks.
There's a handy acronym that helps identify the symptoms of a stroke. If you spot these yourself, or in a loved one, do not delay - dial 999 immediately, and tell the call handler you suspect a stroke.
ACT Fast:
- Face weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you're saying?
- Time to call 999 - if you see any of these signs, get help.
This test helps spot three key signs, but there are other symptoms to be aware of too.
They include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden blurred vision or loss of sight, sudden confusion or memory loss, dizziness or a sudden fall and a sudden, severe headache.
When it comes to a stroke, the bottom line is take these symptoms seriously. It may well be something more minor, but it pays to be alert and act fast. Not only could it save your life, but it could save you, or a loved one, from long-term, devastating side effects.
For more information about stroke, visit the or the And you can read more from the Sun's Health team on the subject of stroke here.
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