Taking care of your teeth and gums might do more than just keep your smile bright. New research suggests it could also help protect your brain and heart.
Two studies published in Neurology Open Access found a strong link between poor oral health and a higher risk of stroke and brain changes. In both studies, people with gum disease and cavities were more likely to suffer from serious health issues related to their brain.
In the first study, researchers found that people with gum disease were more likely to have white matter changes in their brains. These changes are connected to problems with blood flow and are known to increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
According to study author Dr. Souvik Sen, a professor of neurology at the University of South Carolina, this is likely because gum disease causes inflammation, and inflammation can damage blood vessels, including the small ones in the brain.
The second study took the findings even further. It showed that people who had both gum disease and cavities had an 86% higher risk of having a stroke than people with healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Sen called this combination “double trouble,” meaning it greatly increases the danger of stroke or other serious heart problems.
But there’s good news, too. People who brushed and flossed every day and went to the dentist regularly were found to have an 81% lower risk of stroke. That means simple daily habits can make a big difference.
These studies don’t prove that poor oral health directly causes strokes. However, they do add to a growing body of evidence that problems in the mouth—especially inflammation—may play a role in damaging the heart and brain.
Gum disease and cavities are extremely common around the world. The World Health Organization says about 3.5 billion people are affected. Meanwhile, in the United States alone, over 795,000 people suffer from strokes each year.
With numbers this high, experts say it’s time to pay closer attention to the connection between oral health and overall health. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy might be one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of serious diseases.
In summary, these new findings highlight a powerful message: brushing and flossing don’t just protect your teeth—they might also protect your brain and heart. Making oral care a daily habit, along with regular dental checkups, could help prevent strokes and other serious conditions linked to inflammation.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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