Gum Disease Linked to Near Doubled Stroke Risk – New Study
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Oral Health’s Surprising Link to Stroke and Heart Disease
Table of Contents
Gums, a mirror of Vascular Health
the gum disease, or periodontitis, is one of the most widespread chronic disorders: nearly one in two adults face it during their lifetime.It often begins with a simple gingivitis (redness, bleeding), but if it is not treated, the inflammation spreads to the deep tissues, the teeth become loose, and the bacteria pass into the blood.
According to the neurologist Souvik Sen from the University of South Carolina, main author of the study, “people with caries and periodontal disease have a risk of stroke increased by 86% and a 36% increased risk of heart disease compared to those who do not suffer from it. Even patients with only gum disease see their risk of stroke increase by 44%.”
The researchers followed nearly 6,000 adults aged 63 on average for more than twenty years. Result: barely 4% of people with healthy mouths suffered a stroke, versus 7% of those affected by periodontitis and 10% those with diseased gums and cavities.
But the study also highlights an essential protective factor: regular visits to the dentist. Those who consulted for preventive care saw their risk of periodontitis and cavities drop by more than 80%.
The Data: Stroke Risk Based on Oral Health
| Oral Health Status | Percentage of Participants Experiencing Stroke |
|---|---|
| Healthy Mouth | 4% |
| Periodontitis Only | 7% |
| Periodontitis & Cavities | 10% |
Inflammation, the Bridge Between Mouth and Brain
The second study by Dr. Sen’s team focused on the brain itself. It followed more than 1,100 people over a period of 15 years, combining dental examinations and Brain MRIs. The results are clear: people suffering from gum disease in their forties had 56% additional