On a day to day practice, dentist may encounter patients with various medical conditions such as Brain stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. In these conditions blood clot formation seen in arteries and veins. Ischemic cerebral infarction or stroke preceded by systemic bacterial or viral infection. Poor dental health is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular ischemia. Is there a Relation Between Brain Stroke And Oral Health?
In one study bleeding on probing, suppuration, subgingival calculus and number of periodontal or periapical lesions were more in male stroke patients than in controls (healthy patients). 25% of all brain stroke patients had significant dental infections than 2.5% of controls. Poor oral health is a risk factor for stroke. In another study patients with greater than 20% mean radiographic bone loss at base line were three times as likely to have a stroke than patients with less than 20% bone loss. Periodontitis is a greater risk factor for stroke than smoking. Hence Systematic reviews suggest that there, threefold increased risk of stroke in periodontitis.
Action Mechanism of Brain Stroke on Oral Health
Brain Stroke caused by thromboembolic events. Periodontal pathogens and their products such as gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide result in damage to vascular endothelium. In addition there is hyper responsive monocyte/macrophage phenotype enter vessel wall producing cytokines/growth factor that increase inflammatory response. This may lead to the formation of atheromatous lesion which proliferate in the vessel wall. Damaged endothelium can cause activation of platelets resulting in their aggregation. These actions lead to atheromatosis and narrowing of the vessel lumen.
Oral health care and Brain Stroke patient
Hence, Brain stroke patients often experience depression, anxiety, mood swings and extreme tiredness, which may result in failure of patients to keep their dental appointments, appreciate treatments or comply with oral hygiene instructions. Patients may also be confused and unable to recognise the use of everyday objects related to oral health care. Must tell your complete medical history to your dentist.
Therefore, For many years dental profession has recognised the effects of systemic conditions on the oral cavity. Periodontal infection acts as independent risk factor for systemic disease. Also, periodontal infection may exacerbate existing systemic disorders. Yes , there is a direct relation between Relation Between Brain Stroke And Oral Health.
Brain stroke can affect Oral Health
A brain stroke can affect oral health because it may weaken the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and hands. After a stroke, many patients find it difficult to brush properly, rinse, chew, swallow, or clean food stuck inside the mouth. This can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, gum infection, tooth decay, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and difficulty wearing dentures. Some stroke patients may also have reduced sensation on one side of the mouth, so they may not realise when food is getting collected or when a dental problem is developing.
Oral care becomes especially important after a stroke because swallowing difficulty, also called dysphagia, can increase the risk of food, saliva, or bacteria entering the airway and lungs. Good mouth cleaning, regular dental checkups, denture hygiene, caregiver-assisted brushing, and timely treatment of loose teeth or infected gums can help reduce oral infection and support safer eating and recovery. Stroke patients should ideally have a dental evaluation as part of their rehabilitation, especially if they have chewing difficulty, missing teeth, dry mouth, gum swelling, or repeated chest infections.
