Gum Disease and Stroke

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It may be strange to think that your gums have an effect on your brain. But recent studies have suggested that infected gums are related to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Your heart and brain are closely related to your teeth, and when your gums become infected, they can cause damage to both.

The mechanism that causes this is not completely understood. Scientists are only beginning to understand how your oral care affects the rest of your body. It is clear from early research that even minor gum disease has a profound impact on your heart, blood vessels, and even your brain.

If you think you may have gum disease, or if you’re having unusual symptoms inside your mouth, call the Babylon gum disease experts of Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665 for an appointment today.

Table Of Contents

    Symptoms of Gum Disease

    gum disease wordsHow can you tell if you have gum disease? You could have it and not be aware of it, so it’s important to let your dentist know if you have any of these symptoms.

    • Bleeding when you brush or floss, especially if it gets worse over time
    • Your gums do not appear a healthy pink color but look dark red, irritated, or swollen
    • Your gums feel soft, tender, or hot
    • It is painful to chew, particularly if this is a new symptom. Some people have sensitive teeth, but if you never had this problem before, let your dentist know right away
    • Persistent bad breath

    Types of Gum Disease That Lead To Stroke

    Most people are familiar with mild gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums, with reddening and swelling and occasional bleeding. This mild inflammation can become more serious if not managed with better brushing and flossing.

    Periodontitis is the more serious form of the disease. As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, there is actual damage to the gums, loss of tissue, and infection. Periodontitis can be serious and ultimately lead to tooth loss as the supportive tissue around the teeth is lost.

    How does this lead to stroke?

    Gum Disease and Infections

    It turns out that gingivitis is associated with a bacteria called P. gingivalis. It is P. gingivalis that causes the inflammation and swelling of the gum disease. As the gum tissue breaks down, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and into the arteries. P. gingivalis has been found in the carotid arteries.

    Inflammation of the carotid arteries is a precursor to stroke. As the tissue of the arteries becomes inflamed, platelets, the blood component responsible for clotting, stick to the damaged artery walls. If enough of them stick together, they form a clot, and eventually, the clot can break loose and travel into the brain.

    A more serious gum infection, Streptococcus sp., has been found in the blood vessels of the brain, indicating the bacteria has traveled from the gums into the brain itself. Brain infection is highly dangerous and contributes to damaged arteries and potential stroke.

     

    Blocked Brain Arteries and Gum Disease

    blocked arteriesThe studies found that people with severe gum disease were more likely to suffer from stroke involving blood vessels deep within the brain. Those without gum disease suffered from stroke affecting vessels outside the skull.

    What this means is that those with gum disease tended to suffer strokes that damage large areas of the brain itself, while those without suffered strokes that cut off the blood supply to the outer areas of the brain. This had an impact on the degree of impairment and the speed of recovery.

    Those with gum disease were three times more likely to suffer strokes which impacted the back of the brain in areas that control vision, coordination, and vital bodily functions. Those without gum disease were not.

    Recurring Ischemic Attacks

    Beyond the considerable effect of an initial stroke, those with gum disease who had strokes remained at risk of a disorder called “intracranial atherosclerosis” (ICAS) or narrowed, hardened intracranial arteries of the brain. This leads to an increased risk of recurrent ischemic attacks, or repeated small, transient strokes. These, combined with the original impairment, can have a lasting impact on the patient’s ability to recover.

    The studies clearly showed that preexisting gum disease was both a marker for risk of stroke and created a higher level of damage in the patient due to chronic inflammation and infection because of the presence of bacteria.

    Recurrent ischemic attacks are sometimes called “silent strokes” because they have no obvious impact at the moment of the stroke, but they can have devastating lasting effects. It is believed that these silent strokes may be a cause of non-Alzheimer’s dementia, among other disabilities.

    healthy teeth man

    How Dental Care Can Help

    Gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss are not inevitable. If recognized and treated early, even tooth loss can be corrected. Gingivitis is the earliest sign of a gum problem and is readily treated with proper brushing and flossing.

    The dental team at Babylon Dental Care knows that when you visit your dentist regularly, they can detect gum disease before it becomes a problem and help you manage any issues right away.

    Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing with an approved dental floss will remove bits of food and other particles from between your teeth. Your dentist may recommend an antiseptic mouthwash if you have difficulty flossing.

    Smoking, whether of tobacco or other products, is detrimental to your gums. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you should avoid the use of any tobacco products, including vaping.

    Scaling (scraping with a dental tool) and debridement (removal of dead tissue), known as a deep cleaning, is the only way to remove plaque and tartar that has built up below your gums. Your dentist will recommend the best ways to clean your teeth and gums if your gum disease has progressed to this stage.

    Contact Us Today

    It is never too late to correct gum disease. Contact Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665 if you have any concerns about your oral health or believe you may have gum disease. We are standing by to help diagnose any problems and get you started on a proper course of treatment.

    Testimonials

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    “This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

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    “I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

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    “At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

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    “I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

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    “Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

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    “I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

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    “Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

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    “I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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    “Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

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    “First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

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    “I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

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    “First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

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    “Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

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    Tom M

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    “Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

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    “Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

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    “This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

    Brenda S

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    “I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

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    “Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

    Angela P

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    “Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

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