Is There a Connection Between a Stroke and Gum Disease?

Did you know that every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke? While sometimes it can happen even if you feel you’re completely healthy, your Marco Island dentist is here to explain how you can lower your chances of having a stroke.

Numerous studies show that your oral health, specifically gum health, can directly impact your heart health.

Learning About Strokes and Gum Health

Stroke

In order to understand the link between stroke and oral health, you must first get an idea of how strokes develop and who is at risk of getting one. When one of the blood vessels in your brain ruptures, a blood clot forms, preventing oxygen from getting to your brain.

A person who suffers from stroke exhibits impaired or slurred speech, arm weakness, and a drooping face. This can happen to anyone, but people who are 65 years old and above are more prone to have one. Studies also showed that people who suffered from a stroke had poor oral hygiene.  

Gum Disease

More than half of the American adult population suffers from gum disease. Gum disease develops when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline. Eventually, plaque will calcify and turn into tartar.

If tartar isn’t removed, it will irritate and inflame your gums. Luckily, gum disease can be prevented through proper oral hygiene and yearly visits to your dentist.

Stroke and Gum Disease

How then are these two related? Inflammation is what links stroke and gum disease. The plethora of bacteria caused by gum disease can travel to your bloodstream and cause inflammation and the formation of blood clots.  

Without management, the inflammation can eventually result in a stroke.

How Often Do You See Your Dentist in Marco Island?

For optimum oral health, the American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist at least twice a year. When your mouth is healthy, your heart will be healthy as well, given that you also lead a healthy lifestyle.

At Island Paradise Dental, we are committed to providing you with superior quality dental care. Our treatments are personalized, affordable, and comprehensive to help you achieve and maintain good oral health. Call us today to learn more about our services.  

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