US research suggests keeping your mouth healthy might also protect your brain and heart.
Two new studies published in Neurology Open Access linked gum disease and cavities to a higher risk of stroke and brain damage.
In the first study, adults with gum disease were more likely to have white matter changes in their brains.
“Gum disease is associated with a higher chance of inflammation, and inflammation has been tied to atherosclerosis as well as hardening of the small blood vessels, as we saw in this study,” study author Dr Souvik Sen at the University of South Carolina said.
In the second study, Dr Sen’s team found that people with both gum disease and cavities had an 86 per cent higher risk of stroke compared to those with healthy teeth and gums.
“If you have cavities on top of gum disease, it is double trouble. It means your risk of stroke or adverse heart event doubles,” Dr Sen explained.
Fortunately regular oral care can make a big difference.
Brushing and flossing daily, along with routine dental visits, were linked to an 81 per cent lower risk of stroke among participants who maintained those healthy oral habits, Dr Sen added.
While the research does not prove that poor oral health directly causes stroke, it adds to growing evidence that inflammation in the mouth may play a role in heart and brain health.
