Beware, Perforcing Teeth And Gusi Sickness Can Increase Stroke Risk

JAKARTA - Maintaining healthy mouth, including teeth and gums, is not only for the beauty of foreign appearance. Healthy teeth and gums have a major influence on overall body health.

A study conducted by a team from the University of South Carolina found that gum disease and cavities were at a much higher risk of stroke, compared to those with healthy mouths.

The study focuses on individuals with cases of periodontal disease (gusi) and dental caries (pox teeth. The risk of stroke in them can be doubled.

We found that people with cavities and gum disease had almost doubled strokes compared to those with good mouth health, even after taking into account cardiovascular risk factors, said the head of the university's Neurology Department, Souvik Sen, quoted from his official website, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

In the study, nearly 6 thousand adults, on average 63 years of age, were involved, followed for more than two decades. The results are quite astonishing, where participants with good health only 4.1 percent have suffered a stroke.

This figure increased to 6.9 percent in those who have gum disease, and jumped to 10 percent in those who have gum disease and cavities.

After adjusting factors such as weight and smoking habits, the risk of stroke increased 44 percent in people with gum disease, and 86 percent in those who also have cavities.

The results of this study illustrate a relationship, but researchers can only speculate why the relationship exists. However, the study shows that inflammation and bacteria from the mouth can spread to other areas of the body, worsen cardiovascular health and increase the chances of blood clots occurring.

The analysis has also been explored in previous studies, which found oral bacteria in plaque can accumulate and put pressure on arteries. This condition has the potential to cause clump formation and trigger ischemic stroke.

"These findings suggest that increased mouth health may be an important part of stroke prevention efforts," he added.

Therefore, it is recommended for everyone to clean their teeth regularly, have a check-up at a dentist, and maintain a diet. This habit is not just a routine, but an important step to protect the brain and heart, because a healthy mouth means a healthier body too.