Gum Disease and Cavities May Raise Stroke Risk - What You Need to Know

Oral health isn’t just about a bright smile or fresh breath—it may also play a crucial role in your brain health. A recent study has uncovered a surprising and serious connection: having both gum disease and cavities may significantly increase your risk of ischemic stroke and white matter changes in the brain.

This discovery is yet another reminder that our bodies are deeply interconnected. As a physician focused on preventive internal medicine, I encourage all patients to view oral health as an essential part of their full-body wellness plan—not just something you leave to the dentist twice a year.

In this blog, I’ll break down what the latest science says about the oral-systemic link, what stroke risk factors are involved, and what you can do to protect your brain and body—starting with your mouth.

What the Study Found: Brain Health Starts in the Mouth

The study, published in the Neurology journal in 2025, examined over 9,600 participants using dental exams, MRIs, and long-term health tracking. Researchers found that individuals with both untreated dental cavities and periodontitis (gum disease) had a significantly increased risk of:

• Ischemic stroke (the most common type of stroke caused by blocked blood flow to the brain)

• White matter hyperintensities (small lesions in the brain linked to cognitive decline, dementia, and stroke risk)

  
  

Even more striking, the risk remained elevated even after adjusting for other common factors like age, smoking, and blood pressure.

Why Are the Teeth and Brain Connected?

This isn’t the first study to draw a connection between oral disease and systemic illness. But how exactly can bacteria in your mouth affect your brain?

1. Chronic InflammationGum disease leads to persistent inflammation, which doesn’t stay local. Inflammatory markers like CRP and IL-6 can circulate in the bloodstream, damaging blood vessels—including those in the brain.

2. Bacterial TranslocationCertain bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response. Some studies have found oral bacteria in brain plaques of Alzheimer’s patients.

3. Endothelial DysfunctionInflammation and infection can weaken the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), making clots more likely—raising stroke risk.

4. Behavioral OverlapPeople who neglect oral health may also be less likely to manage other stroke risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol—creating a compounding effect.

   
   

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease and Cavities?

You may be surprised to learn that early gum disease (gingivitis) and even moderate cavities can cause few or no symptoms. That’s why regular exams are essential.

Signs of Gum Disease:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

• Swollen or tender gums

• Bad breath

• Receding gum line

• Loose teeth (advanced stages)

  
  

Signs of Cavities:

• Tooth sensitivity (especially to sweet, hot, or cold)

• Visible holes or dark spots

• Pain when biting or chewing

• No symptoms at all in early stages

  
  

What Is an Ischemic Stroke and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Ischemic strokes account for nearly 90% of all strokes. They occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, often by a clot.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side

• Trouble speaking or understanding speech

• Vision problems

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Severe headache with no known cause

  
  

Stroke is a medical emergency. Fast treatment can save lives and limit brain damage, but prevention remains the best strategy.

How to Protect Your Brain—Starting at the Gumline

This new research reinforces what we already know: good health is built on good habits. Here’s how to reduce your stroke risk by taking care of your oral health and beyond:

1. Brush Twice Daily with Fluoride ToothpasteUse a soft-bristled brush and don’t forget the gumline.

2. Floss or Use a Water Flosser DailyRemoving debris between teeth helps prevent plaque buildup and inflammation.

3. Get Regular Dental Cleanings and ExamsSeeing a dentist every 6 months allows early detection and treatment of both cavities and gum disease.

4. Treat Gum Disease PromptlyIf your dentist recommends scaling, root planing, or antibiotics, follow through—gum disease won’t reverse on its own.

5. Control Systemic Risk FactorsHigh blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking all increase your risk of both stroke and gum disease.

6. Eat a Brain-Friendly DietLimit sugary snacks and acidic beverages. Focus on fiber-rich vegetables, lean protein, omega-3s, and hydration.

7. Exercise RegularlyMovement improves circulation and immune function—important for both the mouth and the brain.

8. Manage StressChronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can impair immune response and worsen both gum disease and vascular risk.

9. Sleep WellPoor sleep has been linked to both gum disease and stroke risk. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night.

10. Get Screened ProactivelyAt Beverly Hills Institute, we offer preventive screening for cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and inflammation—including tests like CRP, A1c, lipid panels, and more.

    
    

Final Thoughts: It’s All Connected

The takeaway from this research is simple but powerful: your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body. Oral health is a window to systemic health—and a key component of preventive care.

If you’re concerned about your risk for stroke or want a full preventive health checkup, including labs and screenings, I invite you to schedule an appointment with our team. Our personalized approach at the Beverly Hills Institute is designed to keep you healthy from head to toe—including your teeth.

Book your visit today at www.bhinstitute.com or call our office to schedule.

Stay healthy, stay proactive.

Alex Foxman, MD, FACP, ABOM

Founder & Medical Director

Beverly Hills Institute