Gum Disease, Tooth Decay & an Elevated risk of stroke
Most people think of their teeth and gums as something separate from the rest of their body — like a garage next to the house. In reality, your mouth is more like the front door to your entire system. What happens there doesn’t stay there. It can quietly influence your heart, blood vessels, and even your brain.
A major 2025 study published in Neurology Open Access has shown how common oral problems like gum disease and tooth decay can raise your risk of stroke and heart disease. These findings highlight what we see daily at Shumack Dental & Implants here in Wagga Wagga — good oral health is fundamental to overall wellbeing.
The Study in Simple Terms
Researchers followed nearly 6,000 people for more than two decades. They found that those with both gum disease and tooth decay were almost twice as likely to experience a stroke as those with healthy mouths. They also had more heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
Those who attended the dentist regularly, however, had far lower rates of oral disease — and lower risk overall.
In other words: poor oral health doubles your stroke risk, but regular professional care and good daily habits can help protect you.
How the Mouth Influences the Body
Think of your mouth as a garden. Your gums are the soil, and your teeth are the plants. If the soil becomes infected and the plants begin to rot, the whole garden suffers. Even worse, that infection can leak into the “irrigation system” — your bloodstream.
Both gum disease and tooth decay involve harmful bacteria. When those bacteria and their toxins enter the circulation, they trigger inflammation throughout the body. That constant low-grade inflammation is like a small fire that never quite goes out. Over time, it irritates the inner walls of your blood vessels, making it easier for fatty deposits to stick and grow. Eventually, those plaques can block blood flow to the brain — causing an ischaemic stroke.
Scientists have even detected oral bacteria inside arterial plaques and heart valves, confirming that infection in the mouth can spread far beyond the gums.
Why This Matters Here in Wagga Wagga
Stroke is one of Australia’s leading causes of disability, and rates are higher in regional areas like the Riverina than in major cities. Many of our patients are busy people — farmers, tradespeople, students, and professionals — and it’s easy to delay a dental visit until something hurts.
The trouble is, gum disease rarely causes pain early on. It can progress silently for years before bleeding, bad breath, or loose teeth appear. By then, the inflammation has often been active for a long time. This chronic infection doesn’t just threaten your teeth — it also places extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Here at Shumack Dental, we see clear differences between patients who attend regular cleans and those who don’t. Routine care means healthier gums, fewer fillings, fresher breath, and better long-term health. It’s about prevention — protecting the mouth and everything connected to it.
Practical Ways to Lower Your Risk
(Suggested image: dental hygiene tools laid neatly on a counter.)
Brush twice daily for two minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove bacterial plaque that causes inflammation.
Clean between your teeth. Floss or use interdental brushes once a day to disrupt bacteria that a toothbrush can’t reach.
Don’t ignore bleeding gums. It’s your body’s “check-engine light.” Early care is simple and effective.
Cut back on sugar and acid. Frequent sugary snacks or drinks feed decay-causing bacteria. Reducing frequency makes a big difference.
Quit smoking. Smoking is a double blow — it worsens gum disease and increases stroke and heart risks.
Prevention is straightforward, cost-effective, and powerful. A few minutes each day and a professional clean every six months can significantly reduce your lifetime risk of oral and cardiovascular disease.
A Whole-Body Approach to Dentistry
At Shumack Dental & Implants, we believe oral health is inseparable from general health. When we encourage you to brush and floss, it’s not just about keeping your smile bright — it’s about keeping your arteries clear and your brain healthy.
As Dr Tom Shumack explains:
“What happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth. Gum disease and decay aren’t just dental problems; they’re chronic infections that can place stress on the body over time. The encouraging news is that they’re preventable. Through regular care, good hygiene, and early intervention, we can dramatically reduce both dental and medical risks.”
The Takeaway
Caring for your mouth is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your overall health.
It’s not just about avoiding fillings or keeping your smile white — it’s about protecting your brain, your heart, and your future wellbeing.
A few minutes a day, a couple of visits a year, and your body will thank you for it.