Keeping your mouth healthy might do more than just preserve your smile. It could also protect your brain. New research suggests that having both cavities and gum disease can almost double a person’s risk of stroke, hinting at a close link between oral health and cardiovascular health.
Scientists from the University of South Carolina tracked nearly six thousand adults for two decades, studying how their dental health related to long-term brain and heart outcomes. The results, published in Neurology Open Access, suggest that a trip to the dentist could be as important as a walk in the park when it comes to stroke prevention.
The research followed 5,986 adults with an average age of 63 who had not previously suffered a stroke. Each person received a dental examination to check for gum disease and cavities and was then placed into one of three groups: healthy mouth, gum disease only, and gum disease with cavities.
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Over 20 years, participants were monitored through phone interviews and medical records. Among those with healthy mouths, 4 per cent went on to have a stroke. That number rose to 7 per cent in people with gum disease alone and 10 per cent among those with both gum disease and cavities.
After adjusting for age, weight, smoking, and other factors, researchers found that people with both conditions faced an 86 per cent higher risk of stroke. Those with gum disease alone had a 44 per cent increase. Poor oral health was also associated with a 36 per cent greater risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
An ischemic stroke, the most common kind, happens when a blood clot blocks oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. Gum disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation may, in turn, damage blood vessels and raise stroke risk.
Lead author, Dr Souvik Sen, explained, “We found that people with both cavities and gum disease had almost twice the risk of stroke compared to those with good oral health. These findings suggest that improving oral health may be an important part of stroke prevention efforts.”
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups. Participants who visited the dentist routinely were 81 per cent less likely to have both cavities and gum disease.
- Brush and floss daily. Consistent care helps prevent bacterial buildup that can inflame gums and erode enamel.
- Watch for warning signs. Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth sensitivity can indicate early gum disease.
- Don’t overlook your dentist. People who cared for their oral health also had 29 per cent lower odds of gum disease alone.
The study only measured dental health once, so it didn’t track changes over time. Still, keeping your teeth and gums healthy could do more than protect your smile, it might also protect your heart and brain. A toothbrush, it seems, is a simple tool with powerful benefits.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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