The Science Behind Flossing and Stroke Prevention; and The Floss Warnings!

Science has proven that flossing is more than oral hygiene, it is a preventive health tool. When we think about stroke prevention let’s keep this in mind; concerning our daily habits, a well- balanced diet, regular exercise, and monitoring our blood pressure. These practices all need to be maintained as they will keep our health in check. While these are critical, new research has indicated that an often-neglected hygiene habit–flossing–could play an even greater role at reducing stroke risk. Yes, folks, flossing is the hidden “cheat code” for better health.

In fact, an in-depth study, which began in 1987, led by Dr. Slovik Sen at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and USC School of Medicine; involving over 6,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk of Communities study. This is an intense study spanning decades with a follow-up period of 25 years; here are just some of the findings:
**Flossing reduced the likelihood of cardioembolic strokes by 44%.
**Flossing decreased the risk of ischemic strokes (caused by blood clots reducing brain blood flow) by 22%.
**Flossing was also linked to a modest 12% reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation. 

Importantly, these benefits were not in correlation to dental visits and regular brushing. What makes flossing so powerful is its accessibility. Flossing might seem redundant, but a five-minute habit creates a protective barrier against life-threatening conditions, It outweighs the expensive medical procedures and drugs, thus reducing your risk of stroke and Afib.

There is the connection between oral hygiene and cardiovascular health which is systemic inflammation in the body. Flossing works by removing food particles and buildup of bacteria between your teeth, which is the common breeding ground for inflammation. These neglected bacteria, will enter your bloodstream, setting off systemic inflammation, thus creating a environment which produces the formation of blood clots. Chronic gum disease, is the aftermath of inflammation; once unchecked can be a trigger to poor cardiovascular health, as well as increased risks of strokes and heart attacks. Gum disease needs to addressed ASAP. Seeing your dentist regularly. Hint, using Xylitol and gentle warm water rinses does help with the healing process.

Make flossing a daily habit.  Use the right floss. See link below for warnings of using FLOSS with “Forever Chemicals” (it’s only a 3 minute video, but very informative.. it opened my eyes to the truth, and I have now changed my floss for my protection!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZbrKnwSNmE
String floss and water pic are good ways to keep your gums from inflammation and disease. Should you really floss? See link of article of one of the articles I researched below. Folks always beware of ignorance that will keep you in poor health.
https://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=fRDuFn&m=3alZQI_r6uZGM3O&b=s8kSOBsAuqg5AmJmGOrg.w
We are all responsible for our own health. Please pass along this important information to friends and family.