Skipping daily habit could ‘increase risk of deadly stroke by 86%’, experts warn

A HEALTHY diet, regularly exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are some of the best ways to keep life-threatening strokes at bay.

But scientists have now stressed the importance of another daily habit – forgetting to do it could lead to an 86 per cent higher risk of the deadly condition.

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Poor oral hygiene that leads to cavities and gum disease could be massively raising your risk of having a strokeCredit: Getty

People with cavities and gum disease due to poor teeth brushing habits could face higher risk of ischemic stroke, according to new research published in Neurology Open Access.

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke and occur when a clot or blockage reduces blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.

Cavities are holes in a tooth caused by tooth decay, which begins when bacteria in plaque produce acid that erodes the tooth’s enamel.

Sugary or starchy foods or factors such as poor oral hygiene or genetics are usually to blame.

Gum disease, also caused by poor oral hygiene, is an inflammation or infection of the gums and jawbone, which can lead to tooth loss.

Study author Souvnik Sen, of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, said: “We found that people with both cavities and gum disease had almost twice the risk of stroke when compared to people with good oral health, even after controlling for cardiovascular risk factors.

“These findings suggest that improving oral health may be an important part of stroke prevention efforts.”

Researchers analysed data from 5,986 adults with an average age of 63 who had no prior history of stroke at the start of the study.

All the participants completed dental exams that assessed whether participants had gum disease, cavities or both.

They were then placed in three groups – having a healthy mouth, gum disease only or gum disease with cavities – and followed for two decades, using phone visits and medical records to determine which people had a stroke.

Of the 1,640 people with healthy mouths, only 4 per cent had a stroke, of the 3,151 people with gum disease 7 per cent suffered the deadly condition, and of 1,195 people with gum disease and cavities, 10 per cent had a stroke.

After adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index and smoking status, researchers found, when compared to people with healthy mouths, those with both gum disease and cavities had an 86 per cent higher risk of stroke.

Those with gum disease alone had a 44 per cent increased risk.

Stroke wasn’t the only health implication poor oral hygiene led to.

People with gum disease and cavities were also found to be at a 36 per cent higher risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or fatal heart disease.

Those who reported visiting the dentist regularly had a 81 per cent lower odd of having both gum disease and cavities, and 29 per cent lower odds of having just gum disease.

Sen said: “This study reinforces the idea that taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about your smile; it could help protect your brain.

“People with signs of gum disease or cavities should seek treatment not just to preserve their teeth, but potentially to reduce stroke risk.”

Struggling to lose weight? Send YOUR burning questions to our Slimming World coach TODAY

WHY did I lose weight this week but not last? Why can’t I shift those last pesky pounds? How do I even get started and are fat jabs the only way?

Weight loss isn’t easy, there are highs and inevitable lows on the journey to a trimmer waistline.

That’s why this week in The Sun and Sun Club we have teamed up with Slimming World to bring you our ‘Nozempic’ diet to help you shift up to one stone before Christmas.

But we recognise it’s hard to stay on track when you’re trying to keep an eye on your kcals, so we have got a very special Q&A with one of the team’s top weight-loss coaches, Mary Watkins.

She will be on hand to answer YOUR burning questions at thesun.co.uk on Saturday, October 25.

So, to put your weight loss questions to Mary, CLICK HERE and fill out the form at the bottom of the page, or email health@thesun.co.uk.

MANY BRITS NOT FOLLOWING ORAL HYGIENE GUIDELINES

Many Brits aren’t following oral hygiene guidelinesCredit: Getty

The 2024 edition of Denplan’s annual oral health survey revealed much of the British population isn’t following oral hygiene guidelines or accessing adequate preventative dental care.

The survey found:

• Almost a third of adults brush their teeth less than twice a day.
• 25 per cent of adults in Great Britain visit the dentist less than every two years.
• 29 per cent of NHS patients admit to never visiting the hygienist.
• 50 per cent of parents will not take their child to the dentist until they are over three.

The NHS recommends how you can have healthy teeth and keep trips to the dentist to a minimum…

TAKING CARE OF YOUR TEETH AND GUMS

Brush your teeth twice a day

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between your teeth

Floss or use an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque lodged between your teeth.

Cut down on sugar, and other lifestyle tips

Have a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, not smoking and limiting your alcohol and sugar intake. It’s good for your whole body, including your teeth, gums and mouth.

Brush baby teeth as soon as they come through

Start brushing a baby’s teeth as soon as they come through.

Get children into a teeth-cleaning routine

Help your child have healthy teeth for life by having a good dental health routine.

Have regular dental check-ups 

Have regular check-ups with your dentist. Do not put off going for a check-up. Detecting problems early can mean they’re easier to treat.

If problems are not treated, they may lead to damage that’s harder, or even impossible, to repair.