Doctor: Doing this simple thing after meals could save you from a stroke

Heart attack and stroke are the two leading causes of sudden death, which can happen suddenly without warning.

Dr. MacToohey, who works in the US, revealed that he uses dental floss after every meal to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the New York Post.

If you see me flossing after every meal, it's because I'm afraid of having a heart attack and I'm afraid of losing my memory when I get old, she said in a viral video that has nearly 70,000 views.

Good oral hygiene has many health benefits. That's because "gingivitis-causing bacteria can travel from the mouth to the brain," according to a 2019 study from the University of Bergen in Norway. The authors found DNA evidence that once in the brain, these bacteria produce a protein that destroys brain cells, which can lead to memory loss.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is good for overall health.

Illustration: AI

Notably, dental hygiene problems can also increase the risk of heart disease. Research shows that people with gum disease have a 28% higher risk of having a heart attack.

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist, trained at Harvard and Stanford (USA), shared: Studies show that people who brush and clean their teeth regularly tend to have healthier hearts and a lower risk of heart disease.

In particular, brushing and flossing habits also affect the risk of stroke. Recently published research has shown that flossing at least once a week reduces the risk of ischemic stroke by 22%, the risk of stroke due to heart attack by 44% and the risk of atrial fibrillation by 12%, according to the New York Post.

Poor oral care is linked to inflammation and hardening of the arteries, said lead study author Dr. Souvik Sen, chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of South Carolina. Flossing may reduce the risk of stroke by reducing infection and inflammation in the mouth, while also encouraging other healthy habits.

Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy, affordable, and accessible everywhere, adds Dr. Souvik Sen.

What's more: Recent research has also shown a link between oral bacteria and head and neck cancer.

While Dr Toohey admits it may seem “crazy” to think that flossing could have such a huge impact on your health, she also stresses that it makes perfect sense because everything is connected.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-lam-dieu-don-gian-nay-sau-bua-an-co-the-cuu-ban-khoi-dot-quy-185250816232704512.htm