Here's how tooth decay affects the heart, brain and risk of death

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According to a new study, tooth decay can significantly increase the risk of a life-threatening stroke due to bleeding in the brain.

Previous studies have shown a link between gum infection and stroke, but few studies have examined the role the dental cavity may play. In the new study, researchers specifically looked at cavities and intracerebral stroke, which occur when an artery in the brain ruptures and floods the surrounding tissue with blood.

The researchers studied data from 6,506 people who had not had a stroke and then followed them for 30 years. During the first 15 years, those who developed a cavity had a slightly higher risk of stroke due to cerebral hemorrhage, but their risk increased dramatically in the following 15 years. In the second half of the study period, the risk of stroke from cerebral hemorrhage in people with caries was 4.5 times higher than in people without caries, after adjusting for age, sex, race, and high blood pressure.

Dr. Suvik Sen, co-author of the study, said this was one of the first cases to study caries and intracerebral stroke in humans. Although cerebral hemorrhages, also called intracerebral hemorrhages, account for 10% to 20% of all strokes, they are more deadly than the more common ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow through an artery is blocked.

Gum disease can be caused by 20 -30 different types of bacteria, but cavities are mostly caused by one: Streptococcus mutans, which animal studies have shown is associated with brain hemorrhages.

Although Streptococcus mutans was the most likely “culprit” of the study's findings, a limitation of the study is that it does not allow us to pinpoint the type of bacteria responsible for cavities.

According to Sen, the only real strategy for tooth decay prevention today is this is a regular visit to the dentist. Dr. Robert P. Friedland, who has researched the link between oral bacteria and stroke, said the new study underscores the need for health professionals to take the topic seriously.

“I was concerned that many stroke doctors do not counsel patients about this. It's just not something about their toolkit,” said Friedland, the Mason K. and Mary D. Rudd Chair and Professor of Neurology at the University. Louisville. “I discuss this with all the patients I see, regardless of what they see me for,” he said. “I tell them: 'take care of your teeth: it's important for the health of your teeth, but more than that, it's good for the health of your brain and your heart.'