Why Bleeding Gums Might Be a Warning Sign for Stroke Risk
- emmanuelr131
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 11
By Greenbank Family Dental
When you brush your teeth and see a little blood in the sink, it might not seem like a big deal. But that minor bleeding could be your body’s way of sounding an alarm—and it’s one you shouldn’t ignore.
Gum disease, especially when left untreated, may play a silent but dangerous role in increasing your risk of ischaemic stroke—the most common type of stroke caused by a blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
The Oral-Stroke Connection: What the Research Shows
A growing body of evidence links gum disease to arterial inflammation, a key contributor to stroke risk. One major player in this story is an enzyme called Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2).
This enzyme is elevated in individuals with inflammation in the arteries.
Studies show that people with advanced periodontal disease often have higher levels of Lp-PLA2, suggesting that gum infection may be fuelling the inflammatory process within the circulatory system.
A 2023 study published in Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that individuals with severe periodontitis were up to 2.6 times more likely to experience an ischaemic stroke than those with healthy gums—even after controlling for age, smoking, and diabetes.
The Role of Your Gum Score.
What’s Your Gum Score?
A “gum score” is a simple number your dentist can provide based on measuring the depth between your gums and teeth using a small probe. It’s fast, painless—and potentially life-saving.
Pocket Depth (mm) What It Means
0–3 mm Without Bleeding: Healthy gums
1-3mm With Bleeding: Early Stages of Gingivitits
3-5 mm Without Bleeding: Potential for Gum Disease.
3-5 mm With Bleeding: Warning Early Signs of Gum Disease
5–7 mm With Bleeding: Implies Bone and Tissue Damage
7 mm+ With Bleeding : Extensive Periodontal Damage; urgent attention needed
If you don’t know your gum score, it’s time to ask.
Inflammation Doesn’t Stay in the Mouth
Once inflammation becomes chronic, it doesn’t just affect your gums. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that:
Narrow blood vessels
Increase plaque buildup in arteries
Raise the risk of blood clots—directly contributing to stroke and cardiovascular disease
Why It’s So Often Missed
Gum disease is often painless until significant damage has occurred. That’s why many Australians—possibly millions—have gum inflammation without knowing it.
Warning signs include:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Swollen or red gums
Persistent bad breath
Loose or shifting teeth
Gum recession
Lifestyle Matters: Small Habits, Big Protection
You don’t need a complicated intervention to lower your stroke risk—just a better daily routine.
✅ Brush and floss daily
✅ Book professional cleanings at least twice a year
✅ Treat gum inflammation early before it escalates
One study found that regular brushing and professional cleanings reduced stroke risk by up to 23% in older adults (Chen et al., Stroke, 2021).
Clinician's Summary
Bleeding gums are not just a dental issue—they could be an early marker of systemic risk. Periodontal inflammation contributes to the body’s inflammatory burden, affecting vascular health and stroke risk. Early diagnosis using pocket depth measurement (gum score) and evidence-based intervention can reduce long-term health risks.
If your gums bleed—even occasionally--get them checked.
Knowing your gum score might just save your smile and your life.
Book a gum health assessment today at Greenbank Family Dental.
Clinically Backed
Based on current findings from the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Stroke, and international dental-medical consensus reports.
Reviewed by our clinical team at Greenbank Family Dental.
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