Stroke & Oral Health – Is There a Connection?

Graphic showing the stages of gum disease.

Most of us know that a lack of proper and consistent oral care will lead to cavities and tooth decay. But not many of us are aware of how much our oral health can impact our overall health. In fact, there’s a connection between your oral health and the risk of getting a stroke.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a completely preventable, progressive disease that affects millions of Americans each year. It involves a proliferation of bacteria under the gum line, leading to rapid decay and even tooth loss. Among the causes of gum disease are poor oral hygiene, poor diet, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain medications, and genetics.

Signs of Gum Disease

Early signs of gum disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, a foul taste in your mouth, bad breath, and a reduction in gum tissue. Gum disease impacts the whole body and can increase your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or of developing diabetes.

Connection Between Gum Disease & Stroke

When there is bacteria overgrowth in your mouth, you begin to swallow excess bacteria. The bacteria enters your bloodstream and causes the levels of C-reactive proteins in your body to rise. This then inflames your blood vessels. In short, gum disease increases your chances of developing a heart attack and stroke.

Preventing Gum Disease

Avoiding gum disease is quite simple. Improve your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. Eat a balanced diet that is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Drink plenty of water and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Finally, visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations. All of these efforts will curb any bacterial overgrowth and prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream.

Affordable Comprehensive Dentistry in Long Island City, NY

Don’t let your oral health negatively impact your overall health! If you have early-stage gum disease, a professional deep cleaning can remove tartar and other buildup from under the gumline and help restore your oral health. Queensboro Plaza Dental Care is committed to giving our patients quality comprehensive care to keep their smiles and bodies in good health. Contact us to schedule an appointment today. Visit our financial page to learn more about how we make our treatments affordable for all patients!

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Patient Reviews

Karoline PammerKaroline Pammer
20:52 30 Mar 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and professional. He is very thorough and explains everything very clearly. Finally I feel like I am in good hands when it comes to dental care.
Matt SmithMatt Smith
21:18 05 Feb 22
Great overall experience getting a dental cleaning. Very friendly staff, beautifully designed office, and a comfortable experience watching calming Netflix nature programming while in the chair. Complimentary beverages are in the waiting room and so is a little play area for kids.It felt to me that this was a patient-focused family practice as opposed to a cold, corporate dental mill trying to churn through as many patients as possible.I’ll definitely be coming back here for all my dental needs and I highly recommend.
Sundup SherpaSundup Sherpa
22:07 02 Feb 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are very welcoming and they provide an excellent experience every time I visit. I’ve only been here twice for annual checkups but would definitely consider and recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good customer experience and a very thoughtful approach to making sure that you feel at home. I have some procedures set up for later in the month and I must actually be the only person in the world actually looking forward to a dentist appointment.
Jayrockem GottemJayrockem Gottem
21:27 09 Nov 21
Great place wonderful staff they will be my go too dentist 100%
shawaf alishawaf ali
22:08 26 Aug 21
Very confident after leaving the office that my teeth are in greatttt hands. Above and beyond patient care. Very informative visits. A sense that they genuinely care about patient concerns. Added helpful guidelines I took home with me to reach dental hygiene goals before my next visits. Highly recommended you leave your old scary dentist ! 😁😁
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Queensboro Plaza Dental Care

Queensboro Plaza Dental Care