Stroke
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In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies from a stroke every 4 minutes.
High cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure are all risk factors for stroke. Not surprisingly, nearly all of these conditions also tie back to periodontal disease when it comes to their severity.
Yes. In fact, people with periodontal infections are twice as likely to have some type of cardiovascular disease. One report suggests that having active periodontal disease can increase your risk of a cardiovascular attack by as much as 20%.
As oral bacteria spread from infected, bleeding gums into the cardiovascular system, they can become lodged inside of the blood vessels, leading to blockage. When these blood clots affect the arteries in the head and neck, it can lead to a stroke.
Two types of dental bacteria — P. gingivalis and Streptococcus DNA — have been found inside of the carotid arteries and brain blood vessels in stroke victims.
What this information tells us is that the bacterial colonies spread from the mouth and lodge in arterial linings, contributing to blockages in blood vessels that feed the brain, which in turn, raise the risk of stroke.
Periodontal disease is a treatable, preventable infection. By utilizing preventative care strategies such as daily flossing and routine cleanings, it’s possible to eliminate the chances of oral bacteria transmitting into the bloodstream.
Active periodontal infections should be treated in a timely manner to lessen the strain on one’s immune system. Consequently, treating periodontitis also works to control and reduce other risk factors associated with stroke (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.) But most importantly, lowering the bacterial load in your body – that’s caused by gum disease – can actively reduce your chances of suffering from a stroke.
If you have symptoms of swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, or gum recession, schedule a periodontal evaluation with a dental provider in your area.