Combined oral diseases could exacerbate stroke risk

An analysis may have uncovered a link between the combined systemic effects of dental caries and periodontal disease and stroke.

In a study published in Neurology Open Access, investigators used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study to examine the risk of ischemic stroke and other major adverse cardiovascular events among nearly 6,000 participants who had either periodontal disease plus dental caries, periodontal disease alone or good oral health.

The investigators found that the participants with both periodontal disease and dental caries had a higher incidence of ischemic stroke — particularly the thrombotic and cardioembolic subtypes — as well as major adverse cardiovascular events compared with those who had periodontal disease alone or good oral health.

The investigators emphasized the need to partake in regular dental care to help mitigate the risk of stroke by reducing the occurrence of oral diseases.

Read more: Neurology Open Access

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.