GUM DISEASE COULD INCREASE STROKE RISK AND HARM THE BRAIN. (PHOTO).

 Gum disease could increase stroke risk and harm the brain

If you need more motivation to brush and floss, new research offers a compelling reason: protecting your mouth may also help safeguard your brain and heart.

Two studies published on Oct. 22 in Neurology Open Access found links between gum disease, cavities, and increased risks of stroke and brain damage. In the first study, adults with gum disease were more likely to show changes in the white matter of their brains. “Gum disease is associated with higher inflammation, and inflammation has been tied to atherosclerosis as well as hardening of small blood vessels, as we observed in this study,” said Dr. Souvik Sen, a neurology professor at the University of South Carolina.

The second study revealed that individuals with both gum disease and cavities had an 86% higher risk of stroke compared with people who had healthy teeth and gums. “If you have cavities on top of gum disease, it’s double trouble. Your risk of stroke or a serious heart event essentially doubles,” Sen explained.

The encouraging news: simple daily oral care can make a significant difference. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with routine dental visits, were associated with an 81% lower risk of stroke among participants who maintained these habits.

While the studies don’t prove that poor oral health directly causes strokes, they add to mounting evidence that inflammation in the mouth may affect heart and brain health. Globally, an estimated 3.5 billion people suffer from gum disease or cavities, according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S. alone, more than 795,000 people experience a stroke each year, highlighting how maintaining healthy teeth and gums could be one simple step toward lowering that risk.