Why is it vital to avoid cavities and periodontal disease?

People with gum disease and cavities had almost double the risk of stroke compared to those with healthy mouths.

MADRID, 23 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS).- Los accidents cerebrovascular ischemic are the most common type of cerebrovascular accident and occur when a clot o blockade reduces the blood flow al braindepriving him of oxygen y nutrients.

Las caries They are holes in the tooth enamel caused by sugary or starchy foods, or by factors such as poor oral hygiene or genetics. The periodontal diseaseusually caused by poor oral hygiene, was an inflammation or infection of the gums and jaw. It can cause the loss of teeth.

Ischemic stroke: most common stroke

People with cavities and periodontal disease may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke, according to a study from the University of South Carolina in Columbia (USA) published in Neurology Open Accessthe official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study did not show that poor oral health caused strokes; showed only one association: “We found that people with cavities and periodontal disease had almost twice the risk of stroke compared to people with good oral health, even after controlling for cardiovascular risk factors,” said study author Souvik Sen of the University of South Carolina at Columbia. “These findings suggest that improving oral health may be an important component of stroke prevention measures.”

Researchers analyzed data from 5,986 adults with an average age of 63 who had no history of stroke at the start of the study. All participants underwent dental examinations to assess whether they had periodontal disease, cavities, or both.

Subsequently, the participants were divided into three groups: with a healthy mouth, periodontal disease only, or periodontal disease with cavities. Researchers followed them for two decades, using telephone visits and medical records to determine which people had suffered a stroke.

Of 1,640 people with healthy mouths, four percent suffered a stroke; Of 3,151 people with gum disease alone, seven percent suffered a stroke; and of 1,195 people with gum disease and cavities, 10 percent suffered a stroke.

After adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index and smoking, the researchers found that, compared to people with healthy mouths, those with both periodontal disease and cavities had an 86 percent increased risk of stroke. Those with only periodontal disease had a 44 percent higher risk.

The study also looked more broadly and found that people with gum disease and cavities had a 36 percent higher risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, fatal heart disease or stroke, compared to people with healthy mouths.

Increased risk of stroke with poor oral health

Participants who reported visiting the dentist regularly were 81 percent less likely to have gum disease and cavities, and 29 percent less likely to have gum disease alone.

“This study reinforces the idea that taking care of your teeth and gums wasn’t just about your smile; it could also help protect your brain,” the Senator noted. “People with symptoms of periodontal disease or cavities should seek treatment not only to preserve their teeth, but also to reduce the risk of stroke.”

A limitation of the study was that participants’ oral health was only assessed once at baseline, so changes in dental health over time were not recorded. It was also possible that other unmeasured health factors contributed to the findings.