Emerging research indicates that gum disease could significantly elevate the risk of stroke and dementia-related issues.

It has been well-documented that high concentrations of bacteria from gum disease can heighten the chances of developing conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

However, recent findings by US researchers reveal that individuals suffering from both gum disease and cavities face an 86 percent increased risk of experiencing an ischemic stroke—a prevalent type of stroke triggered by a blockage in a brain artery due to a blood clot.

Furthermore, overall poor oral hygiene has been associated with a more than 33 percent increase in the likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiovascular ailments.

In another study conducted by the same team, it was discovered that adults with gum disease might have a greater tendency towards damage in the brain’s white matter, which is crucial for memory, cognitive function, and balance.

This white matter damage is also implicated in dementia, notably in cases of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Experts argued the findings of both papers highlight the importance of good oral hygiene — often considered brushing teeth twice a day, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist. 

Surveys have shown, however, that as few as just three in ten Brits floss daily. 

Research has long shown that high levels bacteria linked to gum disease can raise the likelihood of the condition as well as diabetes and high blood pressure

Dr Souvik Sen, chair of neurology at the University of South Carolina and co-author of both studies, said: ‘They reinforces the idea that taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about your smile, it could help protect your brain. 

‘People with signs of gum disease or cavities should seek treatment not just to preserve their teeth, but potentially to reduce stroke risk.’

In the first study, researchers analysed data from 5,986 adults aged 63 on average who had no prior history of strokes.

All participants completed dental exams and were placed into one of three groups: having a healthy mouth (1,640), gum disease only (3,151) or gum disease with cavities (1,195).

Over a follow-up of two decades, the scientists found that four per cent of healthy participants had suffered a stroke.

This figure rose to seven percent among the gum disease group and 10 per cent among the gum disease and cavities group. 

After accounting for factors that could skew the results, such as age, BMI and smoking status, they discovered those with both dental issues had an 86 per cent higher risk of a stroke compared to people with healthy mouths.

Those with gum disease alone had a 44 per cent increased risk.

Writing in the journal Neurology Open Access, the scientists also said that people with both dental issues had a 36 per cent higher risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, or fatal heart disease.

Dr Sen added: ‘We found that people with both cavities and gum disease had almost twice the risk of stroke when compared to people with good oral health, even after controlling for cardiovascular risk factors. 

‘These findings suggest that improving oral health may be an important part of stroke prevention efforts.’ 

Separate research published in the same journal, meanwhile, discovered that people with gum disease had more damage to the brain’s white matter, called white matter hyperintensities. 

Assessing 1,143 adults aged 77 on average, 800 had gum disease while 343 were considered healthy. 

Participants then had brain scans to look for signs of cerebral small vessel disease, damage in the brain’s small blood vessels that can appear as white matter hyperintensities. 

People with gum disease had more white matter hyperintensities, with an average of 2.83 per cent of total brain volume compared to 2.52 per cent for people without gum disease.

Researchers then divided people into four groups based on white matter hyperintensity volume.

After adjusting for factors that could skew the results, people with gum disease had a 56 per cent higher risk of falling into the highest group than those with healthy mouths. 

Dr Sen added: ‘Gum disease is preventable and treatable. 

‘If future studies confirm this link, it could offer a new avenue for reducing cerebral small vessel disease by targeting oral inflammation.   

‘For now, it underscores how dental care may support long-term brain health.’

Scientists, however, acknowledged that the study only conducted brain imaging and dental assessments once, making it difficult to assess changes over time. 

Strokes affect more than 100,000 Britons annually — one every five minutes — claiming 38,000 lives.

This makes it the UK’s fourth biggest killer and a leading cause of disability.

Almost 800,000 people in the US are struck down each year, causing 137,000 deaths.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and affects 982,000 people in the UK. 

Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time.

Alzheimer’s Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country’s biggest killer.

However, Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise globally; figures from Frontiers revealed that from 1990 to 2019, new cases of Alzheimer’s and other dementias globally rose by approximately 148 per cent, and total cases increased by around 161 per cent.