- People with both gum disease and cavities were 86 percent more likely to have a stroke than those with healthy mouths.
- Poor oral health was also linked to a 36% higher chance of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
- Those who visited the dentist regularly were 81 percent less likely to have both gum disease and cavities.
- Better oral care may be a simple but often overlooked way to help reduce stroke risk, researchers say.
Oral health problems are linked to a higher stroke risk
According to research published on October 22, 2025, people who have cavities and gum disease are more likely to develop ischemic stroke. Neurology Open AccessOfficial Journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The researchers emphasized that the study shows a link rather than a direct cause and effect.
Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot or blockage restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. They are the most common form of paralysis.
Cavities form when bacteria erode tooth enamel, often due to sugary or starchy foods, inadequate brushing, or genetic factors. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammation or infection of the gums and bone that supports the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
University of South Carolina at Columbia University of South Carolina “We found that people with cavities and gum disease had nearly twice the risk of stroke compared to people with good oral health,” said Dee, MD, MD. “These findings suggest that improving oral health may be an important part of stroke prevention efforts.”
Long-term studies track thousands of people over two decades
The study followed 5,986 adults with an average age of 63, none of whom had experienced a stroke at baseline. Each participant underwent dental exams to determine whether they had gum disease, cavities, or both. Based on these results, they were grouped into three categories: healthy mouth, gum disease only, and gum disease with cavities.
Participants were followed for 20 years through phone interviews and medical record reviews to identify who later suffered a stroke.
Among 1,640 participants with healthy mouths, 4% had a stroke. In comparison, 7% of those with gum disease and 10% of those with both gum disease and cavities had 10%.
The risk of stroke and heart disease increases with poor oral health
After accounting for variables such as age, body mass index, and smoking, the researchers found that people with both gum disease and cavities had an 86 percent higher risk of stroke than those with healthy mouths. Only those with gum disease had a 44% higher risk.
Looking beyond stroke, the researchers also discovered that people with both gum disease and cavities had a 36 percent higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, fatal heart disease or stroke.
A routine dental visit makes a big difference. Participants who visited the dentist regularly were 81 percent less likely to have both gum disease and cavities and 29 percent less likely to have gum disease alone.
“This study reinforces the idea that taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about your smile. It can help protect your brain,” Sen said.
Limitations and future research
A limitation of the study is that the researchers assessed the participants’ oral health only once at the beginning of the study. This means that changes in dental health over time were not measured. The authors also noted that other health or lifestyle factors may have influenced the results.
Still, these findings add to growing evidence that oral health and mental health are more closely linked than once thought.
