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Gum disease may increase risk of stroke and brain damage

2025-10-30 08:47:00, Shëndeti CNA

Gum disease may increase risk of stroke and brain damage

If you need another reason to brush and floss your teeth, here it is: Research suggests that maintaining a healthy mouth can also protect your brain and heart.

Two new studies published Oct. 22 in Neurology Open Access linked gum disease and cavities to a higher risk of stroke and brain damage.

"Gum disease is associated with a higher chance of inflammation, and inflammation has been linked to atherosclerosis, as well as hardening of the small blood vessels, as we saw in this study," study author Dr. Souvik Sen, a professor of neurology at the University of South Carolina, told CBS News.

In the second study, Sen's team found that people with gum disease and cavities had an 86% higher risk of stroke compared to those with healthy teeth and gums.

"If you have cavities in addition to gum disease, it's a double whammy. It means your risk of stroke or adverse cardiac events doubles," Sen explained.

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily, along with routine visits to the dentist, were linked to an 81% lower risk of stroke among participants who maintained those healthy oral habits, Sen said.

Although the research does not prove that poor oral health directly causes stroke, it adds to the growing evidence that inflammation in the mouth may play a role in heart and brain health.

Globally, 3.5 billion people suffer from gum disease or tooth decay, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

What's more, more than 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, according to the American Heart Association. Experts say keeping your teeth and gums healthy can be a simple way to reduce that risk./ CNA





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