Lifestyle changes including exercising regularly, quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet are known to improve cardiovascular health and reduce risk of stroke. A new study suggests another daily habit can have a big impact — brushing your teeth.
Research found that people who had both gum disease and cavities were 86% more likely to suffer a stroke, compared to those with good oral health. Poor oral health was also linked to a 36% higher risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
Study author Dr Souvik Sen, of the University of South Carolina in the USA, said: “This study reinforces the idea that taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about your smile; it could help protect your brain.
“People with signs of gum disease or cavities should seek treatment not just to preserve their teeth, but potentially to reduce stroke risk.”
The increased stroke risk was for ischaemic stroke, the most common type that occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
This deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to permanent damage.
The study involved almost 6,000 adults with an average age of 63, who had no history of stroke at the start of the study.
Some 10% of those with gum disease and cavities suffered a stroke during a follow-up period of 20 years, compared with 4% of those with healthy mouths.
The research also found that people who regularly went to the dentist were 81% less likely to have gum disease and cavities.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology Open Access.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
