Oral Health: Stroke Risk And Flossing Neglect

Oral health is linked to overall health. Oral bacteria have been associated with several health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy problems, dementia, and stroke. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which has been connected to an increased risk of stroke. Gum disease is a common condition, affecting over 47% of Americans, and is characterised by swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form called periodontal disease, resulting in tooth decay, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Research has found a significant link between oral bacteria and stroke. A study analysing blood clots from 75 ischemic stroke patients found that almost 80% had oral bacteria DNA in the clots, indicating a potential connection between oral bacteria and cardiovascular and neurological health. Oral bacteria can activate platelets and accelerate atherosclerosis and blood clotting, leading to ischemic strokes.

To reduce the risk of stroke, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly. These habits can help prevent gum disease and lower the chances of associated health issues, including strokes.

Oral bacteria and blood clots

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and cause blood clots, which can lead to

Gum disease and oral bacteria

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause C-reactive protein levels to rise, indicating inflammation in the blood vessels and an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Gum disease has also been linked to other health complications such as diabetes, problems in pregnancy, dementia, and Alzheimer's.

The main goal of gum disease treatment is to control the infection. This involves keeping up good daily oral care at home, such as brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Visiting the dentist routinely for check-ups and professional cleaning is also necessary, as only a professional cleaning can remove tartar.

Additionally, reducing carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars, can help reduce the bacteria's ability to produce acids that cause decay and gum disease.

Oral bacteria and heart health

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the heart. This can cause inflammation, which is linked to dangerous conditions affecting cardiovascular and brain health. Oral bacteria have been found in blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks, brain aneurysms, and strokes.

Oral bacteria can also cause an increase in C-reactive protein levels, which can indicate inflammation in the blood vessels and signal an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, can lead to tooth loss and contribute to systemic inflammation.

Poor oral hygiene practices, such as not flossing, promote bacterial accumulation and plaque buildup on the teeth and gum line, which can cause significant inflammatory changes in the periodontal tissues. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which have been linked to an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems.

In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, it is important to visit a dentist at least once every six months and report any dental concerns, such as bleeding or swollen gums, as soon as possible.

Oral hygiene and Alzheimer's risk

Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and neurological issues.

Oral Bacteria and Alzheimer's Risk

Oral bacteria, such as those responsible for gum disease, can enter the bloodstream and cause an increase in C-reactive protein levels, indicating inflammation in the blood vessels. This, in turn, can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

A recent study published in *Science Advances* found that the bacteria that cause gingivitis, *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, can move from the mouth to the brain, where they release enzymes called gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, leading to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.

Oral Health and Alzheimer's Risk Factors

Tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease have all been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Poor oral health is often a result of inadequate toothbrushing and flossing, which can contribute to dental caries and severe oral diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Preventing Gum Disease and Reducing Alzheimer's Risk

Practicing good oral hygiene, including daily flossing and brushing twice a day, can help to prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Regular dental check-ups are also important for maintaining oral health and identifying any potential issues.

Oral Health and Overall Health

Maintaining good oral health is not only important for preventing Alzheimer's disease but also for overall health and well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to various conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, problems in pregnancy, and stroke.

Reducing Risk Through Oral Hygiene

By taking care of your oral health through proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, you can not only improve your oral health but also potentially reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and other serious health conditions.

Oral bacteria and atherosclerosis

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and invade the arterial wall, causing a chronic inflammatory condition known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

Oral infections are common in humans and often lead to chronic inflammation of the teeth, gingival tissues, and tooth-supporting structures. At least four pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed to explain how oral inflammations contribute to atherosclerosis:

• Low-level bacteremia: Oral bacteria enter the bloodstream and invade the arterial wall.
• Systemic inflammation: Inflammatory mediators are released from the sites of oral inflammation into the bloodstream.
• Autoimmunity: The host immune system responds to specific components of oral pathogens, leading to autoimmunity.
• Pro-atherogenic effects: Specific bacterial toxins produced by oral pathogenic bacteria have pro-atherogenic effects.

Oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola, have been detected in both aortic aneurysm and heart valve specimens.

In addition, poor oral hygiene practices, such as infrequent tooth brushing and flossing, can increase the risk of stroke.

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