A new study has revealed that gum disease can significantly increase the risk of stroke or dementia-related conditions in humans.
According to a foreign news agency, American researchers have discovered that people suffering from both gum disease and tooth decay are 86% more likely to experience an ischemic stroke the most common type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
Generally, poor oral health also increases the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases by more than one-third. Meanwhile, in a separate study, the same scientists found that adults with gum disease are more likely to experience damage to the white matter of the brain. Damage to white matter has previously been linked to dementia, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Experts say the results of both studies highlight the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene brushing teeth twice a day, using floss, and visiting the dentist regularly. However, the survey showed that only 3 out of 10 people in the UK floss daily.
The first study included data from 5,986 adults with an average age of 63 who had never suffered a stroke before. All participants underwent dental examinations and were divided into three groups: healthy mouths, gum disease only, and gum disease with tooth decay.
After nearly 20 years of follow up, results showed that 4% of people in the healthy group experienced a stroke, compared to 7% in the gum disease group and 10% in the group with both gum disease and tooth decay.
After accounting for other factors such as age, weight, and smoking, experts found that individuals with both gum disease and tooth decay had an 86% higher risk of stroke, while those with only gum disease had a 44% higher risk.
