Are Oral Pathogens and Strokes Linked?

Many have heard of the debate on whether or not a person’s oral/systemic system is linked to their overall health and wellness. While this debate has become increasingly popular in recent years, it does ask an important question. So much so that recent studies have centered around this critical topic.

Some recent studies have suggested that there is a direct link between a patient’s oral health and overall health. For instance, bacteria in dental plaque has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis in patients. This has led some professionals to rethink the way to discuss, diagnose, and treat oral health-related issues.

In a study conducted at Tampere University in Finland entitled “Oral Bacterial Signatures in Cerebral Thrombi of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Thrombectomy,” researchers found among the 75 participants who underwent thrombectomies, 84% of the blood clots found tested positive for pathogenic oral DNA, and of those, 79% had a strain of the oral streptococcus species. This alludes to the fact that when oral streptococcus bacteria enter the circulatory system, it can lead to an infection in the cardiac valves.

Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, heart disease, and obesity are among the risk factors for stroke. With the recent discoveries suggesting that poor oral health can increase a patient’s risk for stroke, some medical professionals are stressing the importance of monitoring your oral health, along with other risk factors for stroke.

How To Improve Your Oral Health 

At Our Philadelphia PA dental practice, we offer a wide range of preventive services for adult patients. Dr. Pamela Doray and our team work on an individual basis with each of our patients to ensure they are receiving personalized solutions for their dental needs. We recommend patients visit our office at least twice a year for routine dental exams and screenings. This allows us to check for signs of complex dental problems, as well as to remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gum line. Our goal is to equip our patients with the tools and knowledge needed to improve their dental health and enhance their overall wellness.

In addition to routine visits to the dentists, it is vital to practice excellent at-home oral hygiene. For example:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash
  • Avoid sugary foods and beverages

Visit Our Philadelphia, PA Dental Office 

We invite you to visit Dr. Doray and our team for the dental care you need to improve or maintain your overall health. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us by calling (215) 395-6076 or request an appointment online.