Periodontitis has been identified as a risk factor for unexplained stroke in young adults, according to researchers.
The recent study explored the link between severe periodontitis and cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS).
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in the blood vessel responsible for supplying a part of the brain with blood. In addition, ‘cryptogenic’ means that the cause is unknown.
Single-blinded clinical oral examinations were carried out on all of the participants, some of whom had experienced CIS.
The researchers found that the participants with CIS had a higher prevalence of periodontitis compared to those without. In addition, participants with more severe periodontitis had a stronger link with CIS.
The study – which involved 348 participants aged between 18 and 49 – also highlighted that more CIS participants had recently had invasive dental treatment. The researchers believe this also suggests a link between oral inflammation and CIS in young adults.
‘Leading cause of death’
Dr Svetislav Zaric, one of the study researchers, said: ‘Stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally. Strikingly, the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke have been increasing in the younger population during past decades.
‘Periodontitis is deep inflammation of the gums, caused by bacteria that grow under the gum line. With the infection sending bacteria around the bloodstream from the mouth to other parts of the bodies, the longterm presence of this has the potential to shape our health well beyond the mouth.
‘Dental care and regular visits to the dentist may help reduce the risk of stroke related to oral health, however the findings also showed a link between invasive dental procedure, which may have direct causality with CIS through bacteremia.
‘Further studies are warranted to estimate the favourable effect of oral health on CIS incidence.’
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