Overview
- People with both gum disease and cavities had an 86% higher risk of ischemic stroke compared with those with healthy mouths, while gum disease alone was linked to a 44% increase.
- Combined oral disease was associated with a 36% higher likelihood of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, fatal heart disease or stroke.
- A companion analysis found adults with gum disease were more likely to show white matter changes in the brain that indicate potential vascular injury.
- Routine dental care was associated with 81% lower odds of having both gum disease and cavities and 29% lower odds of gum disease alone.
- The authors emphasize the results show associations rather than causation and note limitations including a single baseline dental exam and potential unmeasured confounders.