Gum disease and tooth decay are significantly linked to an increased risk of stroke, according to a latest U.S. Study. The research, published February 20, 2026, examines how these oral health issues impact stroke risk both individually and in combination.
Souvik Sen from the Department of Neurology at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, and his co-authors, recently published their findings in “Neurology.” The study suggests that stroke prevention should extend beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, and include regular dental care. “Periodontal disease and cavities are widespread chronic inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity that are associated with systemic health consequences. Both conditions, considered separately, increase the risk of ischemic stroke – a leading cause of disability and death,” the researchers wrote.
Nearly 6,000 People Observed for 20 Years
The experts analyzed data from 5,986 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC), who also underwent dental examinations between 1996 and 1998. Participants were initially healthy and were followed for an average of 21 years, tracking instances of stroke, heart attack, angina, and other cardiovascular events. 1,640 individuals had good dental health, while 3,151 had periodontal disease without cavities, and 1,195 had both periodontal disease and cavities.
The results revealed a clear correlation. Over the average follow-up period of just over two decades, 4.1 percent of individuals with good dental health experienced an ischemic stroke. The presence of periodontal disease alone increased this risk to 6.9 percent. Those with both periodontal disease and cavities faced a stroke rate of 10 percent.
After statistically adjusting for potential confounding factors, the researchers found that individuals with both periodontal disease and cavities had an 86 percent higher risk of stroke. Serious cardiovascular events occurred 36 percent more frequently in this group. “Regular dental care, including visits to the dentist, was associated with a lower likelihood of periodontal disease (minus 19 percent) and periodontal disease plus cavities (minus 81 percent),” the authors noted.
This research underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a component of overall cardiovascular health. (Source: SN, APA)
