Overview
- Researchers at the University of South Carolina followed 5,986 adults with a mean age of 63 for about 20 years after baseline dental exams, publishing results in Neurology Open Access.
- Stroke occurred in 10% of participants with both periodontal disease and caries, 7% with periodontal disease alone, and 4% with healthy oral status.
- After adjustment for age, smoking, and BMI, risk of ischemic stroke was estimated at 86% higher for those with both conditions and 44% higher for periodontal disease alone.
- Participants with both periodontal disease and caries also had a 36% higher risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with those with healthy mouths.
- Regular dental visits were associated with 81% lower odds of having both periodontal disease and caries and 29% lower odds of periodontal disease alone, though the study’s observational design and single baseline dental assessment limit causal conclusions.