It is important that we stay ahead of the latest developments. That includes connections between your health and well-being. In a study that took place over the course of 17 years, a link between oral health and stroke risk has been found.
Here is what we know
At Prisma Health, neurologists followed more than 9,500 patients to better understand the relationship between gum disease severity and atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat condition that is a huge risk factor for stroke.
But the good news is that those who went to the dentist regularly had a 20% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. That’s great to hear because strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the country.
Strokes may be preventable
While more studies need to be conducted, these preliminary findings that link dental health to risk of stroke are great. That is because it shows us that strokes may be preventable because good oral health leads to overall better health. Beyond stroke, there are other factors linked with oral health that could possibly benefit as well.
Knowing this connection, it is important to schedule a dental checkup and routine dental cleaning with us at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry. By maintaining optimal oral health, you can take steps to protect your overall health as well.