World Brain Day 2025 Poor Oral Hygiene Could Increase Risk of Stroke and Brain Disorders, Study Finds
Taking care of your brain health is one of today’s top health priorities — and according to experts, your oral hygiene might play a bigger role than you think.
On the occasion of World Brain Day 2025, health professionals are raising awareness about the often-overlooked connection between oral hygiene and brain health. Gum disease,
weak teeth, irregular brushing, and poor oral care don’t just impact your mouth they may also increase your risk of stroke and other neurological disorders.
Why Brain Health Matters Now More Than Ever
With conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia becoming more common, experts stress the importance of focusing on brain health from a young age.
World Brain Day, observed annually on 22 July, aims to raise awareness about neurological disorders and promote brain health worldwide.
Oral Hygiene’s Link to Brain Health
Research shows that poor oral hygiene could have a direct impact on your brain. A team of scientists revealed that neglecting proper dental care
like brushing and gum cleaning — may increase the risk of damage to brain structures.
A study presented at the International Stroke Conference by the American Stroke Association highlighted that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for protecting brain health.
Earlier studies have also linked poor oral care to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.
Researchers suggest that early attention to oral hygiene — even from childhood — could help reduce the risk of stroke and other brain-related conditions later in life.
What Did the
To explore the connection between oral hygiene and brain health, scientists studied 40,000 UK adults from 2014 to 2021.
The average age of participants was 57, and none had experienced a stroke before. MRI scans were used to monitor their brain health.
Findings revealed that participants genetically prone to cavities or tooth loss were more likely to develop silent cerebrovascular disease.
a condition that affects small blood vessels in the brain and increases the risk of stroke.
Increased Risk of Stroke
Those with poor oral hygiene and a genetic risk for dental problems were also more likely to show signs of microstructural damage in the brain.
This type of damage can impact cognitive functions and raise the likelihood of both stroke and mental health disorders.
What Do the Researchers Say?
Study author Cyprien Rivier explained that oral health isn’t just about preventing tooth decay — it also plays a role in keeping the brain healthy.
While more research is needed to determine if poor oral health directly affects brain function, maintaining good dental habits is highly recommended.
Brushing two to three times a day can significantly improve oral hygiene — and may also help protect brain health over time.
Disclaimer : This article is based on discussions with doctors, medical experts, and academic institutions.
All facts and data have been carefully verified by professional journalists.
However, it is intended for general awareness only. Please consult your doctor for personalised medical advice.
FAQs
1. How is oral hygiene connected to brain health?
Poor oral hygiene can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially reaching the brain and causing inflammation or damage that may increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
2. Can gum disease affect the brain?
Yes, gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked to increased risk of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s and stroke.
3. What is silent cerebrovascular disease?
It refers to damage in the small blood vessels of the brain that occurs without obvious symptoms but can increase the risk of stroke and dementia.
4. Can not brushing your teeth really increase stroke risk?
Yes, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to chronic inflammation and vascular issues, which are known risk factors for stroke.
5. How many times a day should I brush to maintain brain and oral health?
Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily to reduce risks.
6. At what age should we start focusing on oral hygiene for brain protection?
Healthy oral habits should begin in childhood to prevent long-term health complications, including those affecting the brain.
7. Is there scientific proof of a link between poor oral hygiene and stroke?
Yes, recent studies, including one presented at the American Stroke Association Conference, support this connection.
8. Does poor dental health cause memory loss?
While it doesn’t directly cause memory loss, it may contribute to conditions like dementia, which affect memory.
9. What are signs of oral health problems that could affect the brain?
Chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and infections may signal risks that need medical attention.
10. Can regular dental checkups help prevent brain-related issues?
Yes, early detection and treatment of oral problems can reduce systemic inflammation and help protect brain health.
11. How does oral bacteria reach the brain?
Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed or damaged gums and travel to the brain, triggering immune responses or vascular damage.
12. Is there a link between oral hygiene and mental health?
Poor oral health may indirectly affect mental health by increasing inflammation and stress, which are linked to depression and anxiety.
13. Are electric toothbrushes more effective for brain-protecting oral care?
Electric toothbrushes can improve plaque removal, which helps maintain better oral (and potentially brain) health.
14. Does flossing really matter in this context?
Yes, flossing removes debris between teeth and helps prevent gum disease — a key factor in the oral-brain health connection.
15. What’s the key takeaway from recent studies on this topic?
Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t just about dental health — it’s a simple but powerful way to support long-term brain and overall health.
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