Researchers Warn Gum Disease Could Lead To A Much More Frightening Health Issue

You’ve likely heard countless times how important it is to prioritize oral hygiene — but it’s not only about keeping your pearly whites ready for a big smile. Many prior studies have pointed to a link between gum health and other medical issues, but one new Journal of Dental Research report offers one of the starkest assessments yet.

Cause and effect

According to the authors of the recent study, the gum disease periodontitis appears to be a factor for many patients who suffer what is known as a cryptogenic stroke. These strokes account for more than one-fourth of all ischemic strokes and have heretofore had no known cause or warning signs.

While there’s still some uncertainty regarding whether periodontitis is a direct cause, the evidence was compelling enough to convince Drs. Susanna Paju and Svetislav Zaric that they should warn the general public.

They conducted research on test subjects who had experienced a cryptogenic ischemic stroke and found that gum disease clearly increased the risk overall.

What you should know

The nature of this report is alarming, and Zaric offered some analysis aimed at driving home the central message of the research behind it.

“Stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally,” he said. “Strikingly, the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke have been increasing in the younger population during past decades.”

Since bacteria can travel from infected gums through the bloodstream, the doctor noted that “the long-term presence of this has the potential to shape our health well beyond the mouth.”

Zaric noted, however, that additional research is necessary “to estimate the favorable effect of oral health on CIS incidence.”

The basic takeaway might not be much different than the advice your dentist gives you. Brush and floss regularly and get frequent checkups to keep periodontitis at bay.

Chris Agee June 17th, 2024

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