VLN Launch Party

In March, we had the incredible opportunity to celebrate the official launch of VLN with so many of you—our dedicated clinicians, patients, supporters, and partners.

This event marked a major milestone in our journey, as we continue expanding VLN from a thrombosis-focused organization to a thriving community-driven network that bridges the connections between vascular health, education, and innovation.

Seeing so many passionate individuals come together in one space—sharing ideas, reconnecting, and looking toward the future—was truly inspiring.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to President Emeritus Dr. Samuel Z. Goldhaber, current President Dr. Christian T. Ruff, our VLN board members, and every single person who attended and contributed to making this night special.

Your support fuels our mission to create a space where education, collaboration, and impact thrive.

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Skip the Floss, Risk the Clot? The Surprising Link Between

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, making it a great time to highlight an often overlooked risk factor: oral health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammation, which may contribute to conditions like stroke and heart disease.

As awareness grows, so does our understanding of why caring for your teeth and gums matters—not just for a healthy smile but for overall well-being. 

We spoke with Dr. Souvik Sen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, to explore the connection between oral health and cardiovascular risk, including how something as simple as flossing might play a role.

His recent study suggests a potential link between regular flossing and lower stroke risk, though the findings are still preliminary and haven't been published in a peer reviewed journal.

Further research is needed to confirm whether improving oral hygiene can truly help prevent strokes. "Flossing is a simple habit, but it appears to have a significant impact on reducing inflammation and the risk of clot-related strokes," Dr. Sen explained.

Your mouth is home to a mix of helpful and harmful bacteria. Normally, these bacteria maintain balance, aid digestion, and support oral health.

However, poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to grow, leading to gum disease and inflammation. Over time, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.

We know that gum disease and tooth decay have been linked to heart disease for a long time. We think inflammation plays a key role. When inflammation is chronic, it could lead to hardened arteries, blockages, and possibly blood clots, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Dr Souvik Sen

Gum Disease and Inflammation

When bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, they form dental plaque. If left untreated, plaque can lead to periodontitis, a chronic condition that damages gum tissue. Inflamed gums become an easy entry point for bacteria into the bloodstream. Everyday activities like brushing or chewing food can dislodge bacteria, allowing them to enter your body.

Once in the bloodstream, bacteria trigger inflammation, affecting blood vessels in ways that increase cardiovascular risk:

• Artery narrowing: Inflammation damages blood vessel walls, making them stiffer and more prone to blockages.

• Plaque buildup: Some bacteria release toxins that contribute to fatty deposits in the arteries, making clots more likely.

• Increased clot formation: Inflammation can promote platelet aggregation, increasing the risk of clots that block blood flow to the heart or brain.

Researchers have even found oral bacteria inside artery plaques, meaning they can travel through the blood. These bacteria can worsen plaque buildup by triggering inflammation and immune responses, making plaques weaker and more likely to rupture. If a plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Flossing and Stroke Prevention

Dr. Sen’s research suggests that flossing at least once a week is associated with a 22% lower risk of all types of strokes. Even after considering other habits like brushing and regular dental visits, flossing had an independent protective effect.

"We found that even after adjusting for other oral hygiene habits, flossing had an independent effect," Dr. Sen explained.

He also noted that flossing regularly may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib), a common irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke.

Flossing and Stroke Risk: A Closer Look

Stroke can be divided into two main types:

• Ischemic stroke (87% of strokes): Caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel.

• Hemorrhagic stroke (13% of strokes): Caused by bleeding in the brain.

A cardioembolic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke caused by a clot that forms in the heart and travels to the brain. AFib increases the risk of these clots forming. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

When looking at specific types of stroke, cardioembolic stroke showed the most significant reduction, with a 44% lower risk. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that a simple habit like flossing could have a meaningful impact on stroke prevention.

The Need for Further Research

Dr. Sen said his next step is to review the data carefully, making it easier to compare to a clinical trial.

A large trial would be hard to do, but ongoing studies could help give clearer answers.

"It’s hard to do a clinical trial where half of the participants floss, and the other half don’t for 25 years.

But the next step is to refine our data and see how we can match groups to get clearer results," he explained.

Flossing Early and Often: A Simple Way to Support Heart Health

While flossing alone isn’t a guarantee against cardiovascular disease, maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist regularly may help.

“Flossing is very affordable. It's also easily done at home. Somebody doesn’t need access to a dentist to be flossing regularly,” said Dr. Sen.

He also emphasizes the importance of starting early.

"Flossing should be part of early education, just like other good hygiene habits," he explained. Teaching good oral health practices at a young age could help more people adopt lifelong habits that may reduce health risks later.”

*The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing once a day.

Learn More About Oral Hygiene

Looking for more guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene? Trusted resources from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) offer evidence-based recommendations on brushing, flossing, and preventing gum disease.