A new study has found that poor oral health, particularly when both Periodontal disease (gum disease) and dental cavities are present, is linked to a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke. The research suggests that taking care of your teeth and gums may matter not just for your smile—but for your brain and cardiovascular health too.
Key Findings of the Study on Poor Oral Health and Stroke
The study, published online in Neurology Open Access on 22 October 2025, analysed data from 5,986 adults (average age ~63) with no prior history of stroke.
Here are the most relevant numbers:
- Participants were grouped into: healthy oral health, gum disease only, or gum disease + cavities.
- Of those with healthy mouths (~1,640 people), about 4.1% experienced an ischemic stroke during the follow-up period.
- Among those with gum disease only (~3,151 people), ~6.9% had a stroke.
- Among those with both gum disease and cavities (~1,195 people), ~10% had a stroke.
- After adjusting for age, BMI, smoking and other cardiovascular risk factors:
- Gum disease only → ~44% higher risk of ischemic stroke (HR ~1.44) compared with healthy oral health.
- Gum disease + cavities → ~86% higher risk (HR ~1.86) of ischemic stroke compared with healthy oral health.
- The combined poor oral health (gum disease + cavities) group also had a ~36% higher risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attacks or fatal heart disease beyond just stroke.
- Regular dental visits were strongly protective: participants who reported regular dental care had 81% lower odds of having both gum disease & cavities, and 29% lower odds of having gum disease alone.
Why Might Poor Oral Health Increase Stroke Risk?
While the study shows an association (not proven causation), there are plausible biological mechanisms:
- Gum disease and cavities involve chronic inflammation and bacterial infection in the oral cavity. These bacteria/inflammatory signals can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect vascular health (blood vessels) beyond the mouth.
- Inflammation can damage the lining of blood vessels, increase clotting potential, or accelerate atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) — all pathways that can increase stroke risk.
- The study authors also point to the “mouth-brain inflammatory highway” concept: oral infections may contribute to microvascular (small-vessel) brain injury, which in turn is recognized as a risk factor for ischemic stroke
What This Means for Readers (Especially in India)
- If you or someone you know neglects dental health (e.g., untreated gum disease, cavities left untreated, no regular dental check-ups), this study suggests there could be more than just dental consequences — there may also be increased risk for serious vascular events like stroke.
- For people in India, where access to dental care can vary widely depending on region/income, this adds another public-health reason to prioritise oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
- Good oral health practices (brushing twice a day, flossing/interdental cleaning, reducing sugary/starchy foods, regular dental check-ups) could be a relatively low-cost intervention with payout not only for dental health but potentially for cardiovascular health.
- From a clinical viewpoint: doctors & dentists may need to more closely coordinate — e.g., dental health findings (gum disease, cavities) could become part of cardiovascular risk-assessment discussions.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- The study only assessed oral health at a single time point (baseline dental exam) and did not capture changes in oral health over time. ScienceDaily
- Although the analysis adjusted for many traditional cardiovascular risk factors, there may remain unmeasured confounders that partly explain the association.
- The study shows association rather than definitive proof that poor oral health causes stroke. It’s possible that poor oral health shares common causes with vascular risk (e.g., socioeconomic status, access to care, general health behaviours).
- The study population and setting (USA, mean age ~63) may differ from populations globally; applicability to younger age groups or different settings (e.g., India) should be interpreted with caution.
- The magnitude of risk increase (e.g., 86%) applies to the study groups defined; individual risk will vary based on many factors.
What Should You Do?
Given this evidence, here are actionable tips:
- Ensure good daily oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, use fluoride toothpaste, floss or use interdental cleaning, reduce excessive sugar/starch in diet.
- Visit a dentist regularly: Even if you don’t notice visible problems, regular professional check-ups and cleanings can catch gum disease or cavities early — and the study shows strong protective association with regular dental care.
- Don’t ignore symptoms: Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, tooth sensitivity or pain may all be signs of gum disease or cavities — and warrant prompt dental attention.
- Consider oral health as part of vascular risk management: If you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history), discussing your dental health with both your dentist and physician may be prudent.
- Promote access and awareness: On a public health level, ensuring accessible dental care and raising awareness of the oral-brain link may help reduce stroke burden in populations.
Final Thoughts
This study adds compelling evidence that poor oral health isn’t just a dental issue—it may be a vascular and brain-health issue too. With up to ~86% higher risk of ischemic stroke among people with both gum disease and cavities compared to those with healthy mouths, the findings underscore the importance of integrating oral hygiene and dental care into broader health-prevention strategies.
While more research is needed to fully understand causation and apply findings in diverse global populations, the message is clear: maintaining a healthy mouth may help protect not just teeth—but your brain and cardiovascular system as well.
