How does poor oral health lead to strokes?
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Poor oral health is linked to a higher risk of stroke. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they can cause inflammation and damage.
The connection between oral health and stroke is known as the Mouth-Body Connection. This term refers to the way that oral health can affect other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and brain.
There is a growing body of evidence that supports the link between oral health and stroke. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with gum disease were twice as likely to have a stroke as people with healthy gums.
The exact mechanism by which oral bacteria cause stroke is not fully understood. However, scientists believe that the bacteria may trigger inflammation in the blood vessels, which can lead to a clot. This clot can then block the flow of blood to the brain, causing a stroke.
Here are some additional details about the link between oral health and stroke:
The bacteria that cause gum disease are the same bacteria that can cause heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity can release inflammatory markers into the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of stroke.
Pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they can cause inflammation and damage.
The link between oral health and stroke has been known for around 20 years.
The connection lies in the shared presence of inflammation and the subsequent arterial hardening, also observed in heart disease.
When the oral bacteria causing gum disease enter your bloodstream, they travel and can cause C-reactive protein levels to increase. This indicates that the blood vessels are inflamed. Inflammation of the blood vessels leads to blood clots, which can block the blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A specific type of stroke, called an ischemic stroke, is associated with arterial hardening. A 2004 German study found that people with severe periodontitis and gum disease had an increased risk of experiencing an ischemic stroke.
A 2012 study out of Greece confirmed this research. Researchers at the Attikon University Hospital in Athens also found that patients with periodontitis have a higher risk of stroke.
In 2020, presenters at the American Stroke Association conference in Dallas, TX, addressed two studies that indicated treating gum disease can prevent artery blockage and reduce stroke risk. The research also revealed that patients with gum disease were twice as likely as those without to have a stroke caused by hardening of the arteries in the brain. Gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease, was linked to a higher risk of arteries in the brain with severe blocks, and many hadn't had any symptoms yet.
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. According to the CDC, 85% of patients who have strokes have ischemic ones.
Earlier this year, the American Stroke Association International presented further connections between oral health and stroke. Research from a comprehensive study conducted from 2014 to 2021 involving around 40,000 adults from the UK Biobank, with an average age of 57 and no history of stroke, discovered that:Individuals genetically disposed to cavities, missing teeth, or needing dentures were more likely to have silent cerebrovascular disease, evident through a 24% increase in white matter hyperintensities visible on MRI images.
People who are more likely because of heredity to have poor oral health showed more damage to the "fine architecture of the brain" and had a 43% variance in microstructural damage scores visible on MRI scans.
Cyprien Rivier, MD, MS, a researcher involved in the study, said while it looks like poor oral health causes declines in brain health, they needed to confirm whether improving oral health can benefit brain health with more studies. Dr. Rivier also emphasized the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene because there are implications "far beyond the mouth."
In conclusion, there is a strong link between oral health and stroke. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health.
Stroke can increase inflammation and contribute to gum disease.
After a stroke, the brain sends signals that activate an inflammatory response throughout the body. This response is necessary for the body's healing process, but it can also make stroke patients more susceptible to bacterial infections.
One of the consequences of this inflammation is that it can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.
Stroke patients are at an increased risk of developing gum disease because they may have difficulty brushing and flossing their teeth. This is due to a number of factors, including:
Cognitive decline: Stroke can damage the brain, which can lead to problems with memory, attention, and coordination. These problems can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively.
Physical disabilities: Stroke can also cause physical disabilities, such as weakness on one side of the body. This can make it difficult to reach the mouth to brush and floss.
In addition, the inflammation caused by stroke can make the gums more susceptible to bacterial infection. This can lead to the rapid progression of gum disease.If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you develop a personalized oral health care plan that will help you reduce your risk of gum disease.
Here are some additional tips for maintaining good oral health after a stroke:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Brush your teeth in small, circular motions.
- Floss between your teeth once a day.
- Use an electric toothbrush if it is easier for you.
- Ask your dentist for help if you have difficulty brushing or flossing.
Preventing gum disease can lower your risk of a stroke.
There is a clear connection between oral health and brain health. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissue surrounding your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to gum deterioration and various symptoms, such as swollen, red gums that bleed during brushing or flossing.
Gum disease is a common occurrence among adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 47% of adults aged 30 and above have gum disease, while a staggering 70% of adults over the age of 65 are affected by it.
Gum disease and stroke:
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that gum disease can increase your risk of stroke. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they can cause inflammation. Inflammation is a risk factor for stroke.
How to prevent gum disease:
There are a few things you can do to prevent gum disease:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Floss once a day.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Treatment for gum disease:
If you already have gum disease, there are treatments available to help you improve your gum health. These treatments include:Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning treatment helps clear out the bacteria and plaque below the gum line.
Antibiotics: In some cases, your dentist might also use a topical antibiotic to eliminate the bacteria there.
Gum recession treatment: Dentists also have ways to address gum tissue loss to protect the roots from decay or to surgically graft tissue from other parts of your mouth to cover roots and protect your teeth.
Conclusion:
The connection between oral health and stroke is clear. By preventing gum disease, you can effectively reduce your risk of certain types of strokes.
Find a dentist near you and learn more about the Mouth-Body Connection.
Our Smile Generation team can help you find a dentist near you and provide you with answers about the Mouth-Body Connection. We can also help you develop a personalized oral health care plan that is right for you.
The Mouth-Body Connection is the idea that oral health is connected to overall health. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that poor oral health can increase your risk of developing other health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
We believe that everyone deserves to have healthy teeth and gums. That's why we're committed to providing you with the information and care you need to keep your mouth healthy.
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