As you might realize, May is officially National Stroke Awareness Month. Although many people don’t realize it, a direct connection has been made between what happens at your dental office and the risk of stroke. Namely, if you are diagnosed with gum disease, you increase your chances of stroke sometime in your life.

The connection between stroke and gum diseases isn’t just anecdotal. It’s based on research, such a report from 2014 on the “Impact of Periodontal Therapy on General Health” published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. The study examined the role of five common systemic conditions and how they were affected by periodontal therapy from a cost-related and hospitalization standpoint. Researchers concluded that noninvasive therapies, such as those for patients with gum disease, could improve patient health in many ways, as well as lower monies spent on future treatments.

Another study from 2004 discovered that periodontitis was a direct risk factor for the development of stroke in numerous populations. The German researchers who led and wrote this study noted that gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, did not affect stroke risk if it never advanced to periodontitis, the next stage of gum disease.

This puts a tremendous emphasis on prevention when it comes to all things related to gum disease.

At this time, periodontists have the ability to treat gingivitis in Nashville, TN, in a way that prevents the spread of gum disease. In fact, when caught at the gingivitis stage, this disease can be cured. Periodontitis cannot be cured, although it can be managed through regular periodontal appointments and therapies.

If you want to reduce the chances of stroke, please be checked for gingivitis in Nashville, TN. At the first indications of gingivitis, such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, red gums or chronic bad breath (halitosis), give our team a call. The faster you stop gum disease, the better your chances of limiting stroke.