Three minutes can save a life: scientists reveal a simple way to reduce the risk of stroke by 44%.

A new study by scientists has revealed that regular flossing can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Researchers from the University of South Carolina tracked 6,000 individuals over 25 years and found that those who consistently used floss experienced a 21% lower incidence of ischemic stroke, which occurs when an artery in the brain is blocked by a clot. Furthermore, the study indicated that flossing reduces the risk of cardioembolic stroke, caused by a ruptured blood vessel, by a remarkable 44%, reports Daily Mail.

The findings, presented at the American Stroke Association conference in Los Angeles and published in the journal Stroke, highlighted the importance of good oral hygiene in maintaining overall health and minimizing stroke risk. Despite this, surveys show that only three out of ten people use dental floss daily.

Dr. Suvik Sen, the lead author of the study and a neurology expert at the University of South Carolina, stated: "I wouldn't say that flossing is the only thing you should do to prevent a stroke, but our results suggest that it's another element to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle." He emphasized that using dental floss reduces the number of infections in the mouth and gum diseases associated with inflammation.

Dr. Karen Fury, chair of the neurology department at Brown University, who was not involved in the study, added: "Many people neglect oral hygiene, and we hope this will draw attention to the fact that it is an important aspect not only for fresh breath and gum health."

The study involved 6,278 participants who were surveyed about their dental habits. Over the 25 years, 434 participants suffered a stroke, with 147 being thrombotic and 97 cardioembolic. The data also showed that those who regularly flossed were 12% less likely to experience atrial fibrillation—a condition that increases stroke risk by causing irregular heartbeats.

The researchers noted that the benefits of flossing for stroke prevention are independent of other oral hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth. Additional research, presented at the same conference, supported these findings. Scientists from the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Japan studied 189 stroke patients and found a link between stroke risk and the presence of Streptococcus anginosus—a bacterium commonly associated with cavities.

Over two years, patients with significant levels of this bacterium experienced higher rates of recurrent cardiovascular events or death. Dr. Shuichi Tonomura, the lead author of the additional study, believes that a quick test for harmful bacteria in the mouth could help assess stroke risk: "Targeted intervention against these specific harmful bacteria in the mouth may help prevent fatal outcomes."

Stroke remains one of the major health challenges, affecting over 100,000 individuals annually in the UK alone and causing 38,000 deaths, making it the fourth leading cause of mortality in the country. In the US, around 800,000 people experience a stroke each year, with 137,000 fatalities. The majority of strokes are ischemic, caused by artery blockages due to plaque buildup. However, hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, also pose a significant risk.

Recent NHS data indicates a concerning rise in stroke cases among younger individuals, particularly men under 39, whose incidence has increased by nearly 25% over the past two decades. Among people aged 50 to 59, stroke cases have risen by 55%, driven by obesity, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles. Despite the increase in stroke cases, survival rates have improved due to medical advancements, such as clot-dissolving medications and specialized treatment centers available to more people.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, consult a specialist.