SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 6, 2025 - Oral Health and Brain Health: An Overlooked Connection
A groundbreaking new study has confirmed a strong association between gum disease and cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) in young adults. The findings, revealed in the Journal of Dental Research, are drawing renewed attention to the urgent need for better oral hygiene practices—not just for dental health, but also for reducing the risk of life-threatening vascular events in those under 50.
Periodontitis Doubles Stroke Risk
A case-controlled study by Leskelä et al. found that individuals aged 18–49 with severe gum disease had up to twice the risk of suffering from CIS—a subtype of ischemic stroke in which the cause remains unidentified despite extensive testing. The study is part of the SECRETO project, which explores hidden causes of stroke in younger patients.
Leskelä’s team noted that young stroke patients with no traditional risk factors—like high blood pressure or cholesterol—were far more likely to suffer from advanced periodontitis. Those with the most severe cases, classified as stage III–IV, grade C, were 6.43 times more likely to experience a severe stroke than individuals with healthy gums.
Dental Procedures and Stroke Onset
The study also linked recent invasive dental treatments to an increased risk of CIS. Procedures conducted within three months prior to a stroke were associated with a 2.54 higher odds ratio (OR). In individuals with a patent foramen ovale (PFO)—a small opening in the heart—this risk rose dramatically, with an OR of 6.26.
Researchers measured oral bacterial presence using serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), strengthening the case for systemic implications of oral infections.
Bleeding Gums Signal Serious Risk
Professor Pirkko Pussinen of the University of Eastern Finland stressed the dangers of ignoring oral inflammation:
“If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, gingivitis is already present, and immediate action is required.”
Pussinen emphasized that oral infections are widespread but often underestimated in terms of their overall health impact.
Forensic Insights Strengthen the Case
Further evidence was presented by Olli Patrakka in a forensic medicine dissertation at the University of Tampere. His research found that viridans group streptococci, normally found in the mouth, were present in 80% of cerebral blood clots from stroke patients. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and may accelerate atherosclerosis once lodged in arterial walls.
“These bacteria adhere to teeth and initiate plaque formation. When they enter the bloodstream, they may trigger inflammation and contribute to strokes and heart disease,” Patrakka explained.
Poor Oral Hygiene: A Modifiable Risk Factor
The implications of these findings are significant for clinical care.
“Oral health must be maintained, especially for those at risk of stroke,” said Dr. Tommi Pätilä, a heart and transplant surgeon at the New Children’s Hospital in Helsinki. He called for routine evaluation of oral bacterial inflammation in stroke prevention protocols and suggested that timely antimicrobial treatment or even a future bacterial vaccine could play a role in reducing stroke risk.
Systemic Impact of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is not just a dental problem—it’s connected to multiple noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, Alzheimer's, and inflammatory conditions.
“Statistics show that people with healthy mouths live longer. Each missing tooth reduces life expectancy. This is talked about far too little,” Dr. Pätilä stated.
According to Liljestrand et al., even a few missing teeth correlate with higher risks of systemic illness and premature death, making dental evaluations a potentially valuable screening tool for medical practitioners.
Innovative Tools Like Lumoral Offer Hope
Dissatisfied with the prevalence of gum infections and brushing's limitations, Dr. Pätilä and his team developed Lumoral, a CE-marked medical device using dual-light photodynamic therapy to target and reduce plaque and bacterial load.
Lumoral combines a light-activated antibacterial mouth rinse (Lumorinse) with a light-emitting mouthpiece to enhance traditional brushing and flossing. Research shows Lumoral can remove up to 99.998% of plaque bacteria missed by mechanical cleaning alone.
When used as a regular adjunct, Lumoral has improved outcomes in managing chronic periodontitis and reducing systemic inflammation, supported by recent studies in Dentistry Journal and PLOS ONE.
Proactive Steps to Protect Your Gum Health
Regular Dental Visits: Frequent checkups can help detect early signs of periodontitis.
Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss. Consider advanced technologies like Lumoral.
Stay Alert: Bleeding gums are a warning sign—seek prompt care.
Lifestyle Choices: Avoid tobacco, eat a balanced diet, and manage systemic health.
As emphasized by Dr. Ferakh Hamid of Aesthetique Dental Care UK:
“Innovations in dental technology, such as the introduction of antibacterial treatments like Lumoral, offer new ways to fight oral diseases. These advancements are extremely effective at removing plaque—up to 99.998% effective—which can transform how we care for our teeth and help prevent diseases caused by bacteria.”
To learn more about Lumoral and its role in oral-systemic health, visit: www.lumoral.com