09/11/2025
A new 21-year study from the University of South Carolina has found that people with both gum disease and tooth decay face an 86% higher risk of stroke compared to those with healthy mouths — even after accounting for smoking, diabetes, and other cardiovascular factors.
Researchers followed nearly 6,000 adults over two decades and discovered that chronic oral inflammation and bacterial infection may trigger changes in blood vessels and increase the likelihood of clots — a key cause of ischemic strokes. Poor oral health doesn’t just harm teeth; it may silently strain the brain and heart.
The study also revealed that individuals who visited the dentist regularly were 81% less likely to have both gum disease and cavities, and 29% less likely to have gum disease alone. Routine scaling, professional cleanings, and early treatment of cavities could play a major role in reducing stroke risk.
🔬 Source:
🔍 doi:10.1212/WN9.0000000000000036.
