A new study shows that having both gum disease and tooth decay is associated with an increased risk of stroke, and poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States conducted a study that was published in the Journal of Neuroscience on October 22, and the Eurick Alert website wrote about it.
The study indicates that those who suffer from tooth decay and gum disease face a greater risk of ischemic stroke.
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, and occur when a clot or blockage reduces blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.
As for cavities, they are holes in the tooth enamel, resulting from eating sugary or starchy foods. Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, and is an inflammation or infection of the gums and jawbone. It can lead to tooth loss.
The researchers analyzed data from about 6,000 adults, with an average age of 63 years, and who had no previous history of stroke at the beginning of the study.
Two decades of follow-up
All participants underwent dental examinations to assess whether they had gum disease, cavities, or both. Participants were then placed into 3 groups: having good oral health, having gum disease only, or having gum disease with cavities.
The researchers followed their cases for two decades, using telephone visits and medical records to determine who had had a stroke.
Of the 1,640 people who enjoyed good oral health, 4% of them had a stroke. Of the 3,151 people suffering from gum disease only, 7% had a stroke. Of the 1,195 people suffering from gum disease and tooth decay, 10% of them had a stroke.
After taking into account factors such as age, body mass index and smoking, the researchers found that compared to those with good oral health, those with gum disease and tooth decay combined had an 86% higher risk of stroke. As for those with gum disease alone, their risk increased by 44%.
The study also looked more broadly, finding that people with gum disease and tooth decay combined had a 36% higher risk of having a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, fatal heart disease or stroke.