It’s easy to think of brushing your teeth as a small, everyday habit — something you do for your smile, not your survival.
But new research suggests that what happens in your mouth may have far more serious consequences for your brain and heart than most people realize.
A surprising connection
Researchers from the University of South Carolina followed nearly 6,000 adults for two decades to uncover how oral health affects the risk of stroke and heart disease.
The results were striking: those who had both cavities and gum disease faced dramatically higher odds of suffering a stroke compared to people with healthy mouths.
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When oral health meets the brain
The study found that participants dealing with both gum inflammation and tooth decay were 86% more likely to experience an ischemic stroke — the kind caused by a blockage that cuts off blood flow to the brain.
Those with only gum disease still carried a 44% higher risk. Poor oral health also appeared to increase the likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems by over a third.
The power of prevention
The simplest protection came from regular dental visits. Participants who saw their dentist consistently were 81% less likely to have both cavities and gum disease.
The researchers suggest that maintaining oral hygiene — through brushing, flossing, and checkups — could be an underrated way to guard against not only dental issues but also serious vascular conditions.
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More than just teeth
Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, triggering chronic inflammation throughout the body.
This inflammation can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries, potentially leading to clots and restricted blood flow.
The findings add to growing evidence that oral health and cardiovascular health are more intertwined than previously thought.
What it means for you
Good dental care may not just save your teeth — it might save your brain. While the study cannot prove cause and effect, it underlines a vital point: prevention starts with the basics.
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Consistent care for your mouth could be one of the simplest steps toward protecting your heart and reducing stroke risk.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra the Science Daily
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