New warnings on oral health link to strokes and dementia

A neurologist with a large social media following has warned about the overlooked relationship between oral health and strokes and dementia.

Dr Baibing Chen, more widely known online as Dr Bing, said on TikTok that people need to be mindful of their teeth and gums to prevent neurological complications further down the line.

His conclusions are based on research that found that cavities, gum disease or significant tooth loss can lead to a higher stroke risk. The reason for this is that chronic gum disease causes inflammation, which damages blood vessels. This is relevant because oral bacteria reside in blood clots that cause strokes.

These findings have been backed up by a study that was published in the Neurology journal in 2023. Its authors wrote that genetic analyses confirmed a potentially causal association between poor oral health and risk factors of stroke or dementia, which is why early intervention may be required to improve brain health.

It is recommended you brush your teeth consistently and set up regular appointments to protect your gums. While this does not guarantee zero risk of further health complications, studies have shown that people who look after their teeth have a lower stroke risk. The key here is education and ensuring that people see brushing, flossing and water flossing as methods of protecting not just their gums, but their brain as well.

If you’re concerned about the neurological impact of gum disease, get in touch with your local dentist in Chester. A member of our team at Art of Dental Care will set you up with an appointment.