Periodontitis, a common condition, has been linked to a specific type of ischemic stroke in a recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research . Study: Periodontitis, Dental Procedures, and Young-Onset Cryptogenic Stroke . Image Credit: Olga by Shefer/Shutterstock.
com Strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Over the past few decades, the incidence of ischemic strokes has increased among younger populations, resulting in a higher prevalence in this age group. Risk factors for stroke include inactive lifestyles, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which are related to lifestyle and potentially modifiable.
Additionally, a large Taiwanese study has suggested that periodontitis may also increase the risk of ischemic stroke, particularly among younger individuals. Many more strokes among the young are of unknown origin and are called cryptogenic ischemic strokes (CIS), accounting for the largest proportion of young-onset strokes among people without vascular risk factors. Bacteria involved in periodontitis release factors like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipotechoic acid (LTA).
These are toxins from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria cell membranes, respectively. Endotoxemia refers to the passage of LPS into the bloodstream, mostly from the gut, with a lesser role played by the oral mucosa and inflamed gums. The part played by endotoxemia and ischemic stroke is still unclear.
Dental procedures cause bacteria to .
