Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 29: When thinking about stroke prevention, most people focus on controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol and avoiding smoking. But experts now warn that oral hygiene, especially gum disease, may also play a crucial role in determining brain and heart health. Growing research suggests that gum infections could significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body. It is deeply connected to the bloodstream, immune system and vital organs. Once oral health is compromised, the effects can spread far beyond the gums. Studies have shown that bacteria from gum infections can travel through the bloodstream to other organs, including arteries, where they cause inflammation and contribute to plaque buildup. This process, known as atherosclerosis, narrows and hardens arteries, making strokes more likely.

Periodontitis, a severe gum infection, triggers chronic inflammation in the mouth that can spread throughout the body. Continuous inflammation damages the inner lining of blood vessels, allowing fatty deposits and clots to form, which may obstruct blood flow to the brain. Over time, this can lead to a stroke. Some harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis can even invade arterial walls, thickening them and reducing elasticity, which raises blood pressure and further increases the risk.

Several studies, including those by the American Heart Association, have established a clear link between gum disease and cardiovascular events. People with untreated periodontitis are almost twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as those with healthy gums. This risk arises not only from bacteria but also from the body’s inflammatory response, which damages blood vessels over time.

Poor oral health often goes hand in hand with other lifestyle risks such as smoking, unhealthy diet, stress and lack of exercise, all of which contribute to higher stroke risk. Neglecting dental care can thus reflect a generally unhealthy lifestyle.

The encouraging news is that maintaining good oral hygiene remains one of the simplest ways to keep inflammation under control and lower the risk of stroke. Regular brushing, flossing, dental check-ups, avoiding smoking and eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and whole grains can help maintain both oral and cardiovascular health.

Dentists, it appears, may be doing more than just protecting your smile. The growing evidence that oral health affects the brain and heart serves as a powerful reminder that prevention often begins with everyday care. Taking care of your gums could be one of the most unexpected yet effective ways to protect yourself from a future stroke.