HealthDay (2/13, McKiski) reported preliminary research findings indicate that “gum disease may be linked to higher rates of stroke caused by hardened and severely blocked arteries.” The article said “two unpublished studies suggest that treating gum disease alongside other stroke risk factors might help prevent stroke by reducing the buildup of plaque in arteries and narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.” However, the studies do not establish a causal relationship between gum disease and stroke. The preliminary research will be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles, Feb. 19-21. Healthline (2/12, Fischer) also reported on the research.

Dental professionals can find additional information on oral-systemic health on an ADA Science Institute-developed Oral Health Topics page. The ADA Catalog also offers the brochure Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body: Making the Connection.