Gum disease may increase the risk for stroke and cognitive decline
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- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Gum disease may contribute to cerebral small vessel disease, which can increase the risk for stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, according to a study published in the December 2025 issue of Neurology Open Access.
Researchers performed dental exams on 1,143 adults (average age 76) to assess their level of gum disease. Everyone also underwent brain scans to look for three markers of cerebral small vessel disease, an umbrella term for a variety of conditions caused by damage to small blood vessels in the brain.
The researchers found that individuals with any evidence of gum disease had more white matter hyperintensities (an MRI finding of blood vessel disease in the brain) compared to those with no gum disease. People with gum disease were 56% more likely than those without gum disease to be in the group with the most hyperintensities.
The researchers did not find any significant connection between gum disease and the other two markers of brain disease.
The study found only an association between gum disease and cerebral small vessel disease, but it adds to evidence that maintaining oral health may protect the brain.
Image: © Zorica Nastastic/Getty Images
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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