Association between dental floss use and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in American adults

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Emerging research suggests that oral hygiene practices, particularly dental floss use, may reduce the risk of ASCVD.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between dental floss use and ASCVD prevalence.

Data from NHANES participants who completed home interviews and dental evaluations were analyzed. ASCVD was defined as angina, stroke, myocardial infarction, or coronary artery disease. Dental floss use was self-reported over the past seven days. Covariates included demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Weighted logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between dental floss use and ASCVD prevalence.

This study included a total sample of 7253 participants with a mean age of 53.8±14.6 years. The sample consisted of 47.6 % male participants. The ethnic composition included 64.3 % Non-Hispanic White. Regular dental floss use was correlated with a lower likelihood of developing ASCVD and Stringent Criteria (infarction or stroke), with ORs of 0.76 (95 % CI: 0.60, 0.97) p=0.028 and 0.68 (95 % CI: 0.49, 0.94) p=0.022, respectively. Flossing 3-4 days/week was associated with reduced ASCVD risk, OR = 0.57 (95 % CI: 0.38, 0.84) p=0.006. Similar reductions were seen for stringent criteria: flossing 3-4 days/week: OR = 0.57 (95 % CI: 0.32, 0.99) p=0.047, flossing ≥5 days/week: OR = 0.69 (95 % CI: 0.47, 1.00) p=0.049.

Regular dental floss use may reduce the risk of ASCVD. These results support the inclusion of oral hygiene practices in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.