Oral health affects more than just your teeth and gums. In recent years, research has revealed a growing link between gum disease and a variety of systemic health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even stroke. While it may seem surprising that a dental condition could be related to something as serious as a stroke, the connection lies in how the body responds to chronic inflammation and bacterial infections.
Understanding the link between periodontal disease and stroke is an important step in taking charge of both your oral and overall health. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a progressive infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It begins as gingivitis. This is characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. In advanced cases, the infection spreads below the gumline and leads to bone loss, gum recession, and even tooth loss.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth and along the gumline. When plaque isn’t removed effectively through brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into tartar and causes irritation to the surrounding tissues.
How Oral Health Affects the Body
The mouth is full of bacteria, some helpful, some harmful. When harmful bacteria multiply and the gums become inflamed, it triggers the immune system to respond. Over time, this constant state of inflammation can have effects beyond the mouth.
Bacteria from infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream, especially when the gums bleed during brushing or flossing. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria and inflammatory proteins can travel to other areas of the body, potentially affecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs.
Understanding the Link Between Periodontal Disease and Stroke
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Inflammation and narrowed blood vessels are major contributors to stroke risk and this is where the connection to gum disease becomes more clear.
Here are a few ways that periodontal disease may increase the risk of stroke:
- Inflammation: Chronic gum disease causes ongoing inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the thickening of artery walls and the formation of clots.
- Bacterial Spread: Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of clot formation.
- Elevated Risk Factors: Individuals with gum disease often have other risk factors in common with stroke, such as smoking, diabetes, or heart disease.
While more research is needed to fully understand the cause-and-effect relationship, the correlation is strong enough that healthcare professionals now recognize periodontal health as an important factor in stroke prevention.
Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease
Catching gum disease early can help prevent complications and lower overall health risks. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Pus between the gums and teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental exam. Early treatment can stop the progression of gum disease and reduce your risk of associated health problems.
How to Lower Your Risk
Maintaining good oral health is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your overall well-being. Here’s how you can reduce your risk of both periodontal disease and its potential link to stroke:
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline
- Get regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months
- Avoid smoking, which contributes to gum disease and vascular damage
- Manage underlying health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support immune health and tissue repair
If you’ve already been diagnosed with gum disease, follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment, which may include deep cleaning procedures or ongoing periodontal maintenance appointments.
The connection between periodontal disease and stroke is a powerful reminder that oral health and overall health are deeply intertwined. While swollen gums or bleeding when you brush may seem minor, they could be warning signs of something more serious. Fortunately, gum disease is treatable and early action can protect both your smile and your long-term health.
If you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while or have concerns about your gum health, now is the time to take that step. Your dental care team at Medical Arts Dentistry is here to support you in maintaining a healthy mouth and a healthy body. For appointments, call 912-355-0605 for our Savannah location, or 912-921-0401 for our Georgetown location.