How Dental Care Can Help Protect Against Stroke

Healthy Gums, Healthy Heart: How Dental Care Can Help Protect Against Stroke

By Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Matthew Cawley
at The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
in Chesapeake, VA

How Dental Care Can Help Protect Against StrokeMay is National Stroke Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to shine a light on a surprising connection: the link between your oral health and your risk of stroke. At The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Matthew Cawley believe that taking care of your smile is about much more than appearances — it’s an important part of protecting your overall health, including your brain and heart.

Studies show that gum disease (periodontal disease) doesn’t just stay in the mouth. The inflammation caused by oral bacteria and gum infections can enter your bloodstream, contributing to the development of harmful plaque inside your arteries — a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In fact, people with moderate to severe gum disease are at a higher risk of suffering from a stroke compared to those with healthy gums.

The good news? Preventive dental maintenance appointments and excellent home care can dramatically reduce this risk. Our Dental Hygienists, Chelsea and Karen, will work closely with you to create your customized homecare routine that target the early signs of gum disease before it can impact your overall health. Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Matthew Cawley also offer advanced tools like OralDNA Bacterial testing to detect inflammation-causing bacteria early, giving you a clear plan for treatment and prevention.

What can you do to protect yourself?

  • Keep up with your Preventive dental visits every 3 to 6 months as recommended.
  • Brush twice and floss once a day to disrupt and remove harmful bacteria.
  • Ask Dr. Tanya Brown, Dr. Matthew Cawley, or your Dental Hygienist about your gum health — and what steps you can take if there are early signs of inflammation.
  • Manage health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which also increase your risk of both gum disease and stroke.

Your mouth truly tells a story about your overall health. This May, in honor of Stroke Awareness Month, commit to keeping your gums healthy — not just for the sake of your smile, but for your heart, brain, and future.

If it’s been a while since your last preventive dental visit, now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment with Dr. Tanya Brown, Dr. Matthew Cawley, and our amazing Dental Hygiene team.

We’re here to help you stay healthy, from your teeth to your toes!

It’s Your Time to SMILE!