Flossing May Reduce Heart Disease Risk: Why Oral Care Protects Your Heart

 

Flossing May Lower Cardiovascular Risk: Dentist Warns Not to Miss This Tooth

When it comes to oral care, flossing is often underestimated. Many people think it only helps remove food stuck between teeth. But new research shows that flossing doesn’t just protect your teeth—it can also protect your heart.

Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health: What’s the Link?

A 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) highlights three key points:

1. Flossing matters. It’s not only about removing food debris; regular flossing may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and even reduce mortality related to it.

2. Daily use is best. If you can’t floss daily, aim to do it as often as possible.

3. Healthy teeth, healthy heart. Just like diet and exercise, maintaining oral hygiene plays a role in heart health.

That’s right—your flossing habit may be closely connected to your cardiovascular system.

Chronic Inflammation: The Hidden Danger of Not Flossing

Findings from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reveal that people who do not floss regularly are more likely to experience cardiovascular issues such as:

• Congestive heart failure

• Coronary artery disease

• Angina

• Myocardial infarction

• Stroke

Why? Because dental plaque hidden between teeth leads to periodontal disease, which triggers chronic inflammation throughout the body.

One key biomarker is C-reactive protein (CRP). Studies show that non-flossers usually have higher CRP levels, indicating systemic inflammation—a well-known risk factor for heart disease.

Statistically, daily flossers show about a 30% lower hazard ratio for cardiovascular-related mortality compared with those who never floss. While this doesn’t prove direct causation, the evidence suggests a strong association.

Four Things to Know About Flossing Properly

1. Choose the right tool. Options include dental floss, floss threaders, super floss, and interdental brushes. Pick the tool that best suits your teeth.

2. Be gentle. Slide the floss carefully into the gap, move it up and down against the tooth surface, and avoid snapping it against the gums.

3. Don’t neglect your molars. These teeth are harder to reach but more prone to decay, trapped food, and gum infections.

4. Watch for bleeding gums. If your gums bleed while flossing, it could mean you’re using the wrong technique or you may have early gum disease—see your dentist for evaluation.

Final Thoughts

Flossing once a day can do more than prevent cavities and gum disease. It reduces inflammation, lowers cardiovascular risks, and helps safeguard your overall health.

Remember: taking care of your teeth means taking care of your heart. Make flossing a daily habit—your body will thank you.