Everyone knows that dental health is a key part of one’s overall good health, but can it also predict your likelihood to have a stroke? According to a recent clinical study, there may be a direct connection between one’s oral health and stroke risk.
Recent research in the medical journal Stroke determined that periodontal disease, which most people know as gum disease, as well as its treatment can be used to predict the chance of stroke. The study noted that in a survey nationwide, the amount of dental care and gum disease found in subjects in the study was connected to the incident of stroke in the population.
According to the lead researcher of the study, Dr. Dachen Chu, the clinical study found that there was a connection between dental prophylaxis and periodontal treatment to cut the risk of ischemic strokes.
Over a ten year period, the researchers looked at two types of patients – people with gum disease and people without. People with gum disease were then put into three subgroups:
- Those who get regular dental care
- Those who get intensive dental care
- Those who get no dental care
The study collected data on each persons’ rate of stroke, depending upon if periodontal disease was present, and how much dental care they received.
The results found that patients who did not have gum disease had a rate of ischemic stroke of .32 annually. The study showed that the stroke rate for those who had gum disease was higher.
People who had gum disease and got regular dental treatment had the lowest risk of stroke – .14%. People who had more intensive treatments, had a higher rate – .39%. And those with no oral care had the highest ischemic stroke risk – .48%. The study found that people who get oral care had a lower risk of stroke than people who never had gum disease at all.
Dental Aids for Stroke Patients
If you or your loved one has had a stroke, it still is very important for you to maintain good oral hygiene. After all, you do not want to have dental problems on top of the stroke. Some of the helpful stroke dental supplies that can help include:
No matter what kind of stroke you or your loved one had – mild or severe – it is really important for you to still ensure that good dental care is maintained. You should make sure your loved on still brushes her teeth each day, flosses, and goes to the dentist for checkups twice per year.
