What if I told you the bacteria in your mouth could predict your risk of stroke?
So much so, that a stroke researcher just called for a test that already exists—but most doctors don’t know about it.
And that a simple change in your oral care routine could lower that risk starting today?
Sounds unbelievable, right?
A new study has linked a common oral bacteria to a 20% higher risk of stroke—and yet, despite this breakthrough, medicine and dentistry are still operating in separate silos, missing the bigger picture.
Let’s break it down—because this could be the missing link between oral health and brain health.
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What the Study Found…
✅ Streptococcus anginosus was more abundant in the saliva and gut of stroke patients.
✅ Stroke survivors with this bacteria had a higher risk of death and major cardiovascular events over two years.
✅ Beneficial bacteria like Anaerostipes hadrus and Bacteroides plebeius were linked to lower stroke risk.
✅ This study analyzed the oral and gut bacteria of 250 people—189 who had recently suffered a stroke and 55 who had not.
✅ Conducted at Japan’s largest stroke center—so we’re looking at real-world hospital data.
✅ Controlled for vascular risk factors (like high blood pressure & diabetes), isolating the impact of Streptococcus anginosus.
✅ Followed patients for two years, tracking stroke outcomes and survival rates.
This isn’t just another small-scale, observational study—this is compelling evidence that your oral microbiome plays a role in stroke prevention.
Translation? Your oral health isn’t just about cavities—it could literally be the difference between life and death.
Even if stroke isn’t on your radar yet, here’s why this matters:
🧠 Brain Fog & Memory Decline – The same bacteria linked to stroke also contribute to brain inflammation and memory problems.
❤️ Heart Health – Streptococcus anginosus and gum disease bacteria enter the bloodstream and increase cardiovascular disease risk.
🦠 Gut-Brain Connection – A disrupted oral microbiome can affect gut health, leading to systemic inflammation, mood issues, and poor digestion.
Your oral microbiome is a direct line to your brain. Protecting it could keep your mind sharp for decades.
And here’s what’s wild—this study itself is calling for a test that already exists.
Here’s a direct quote from the lead researcher of this study, Shuichi Tonomura, M.D.:
“In the future, if there was a quick test to detect harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut, we could use the information to help calculate stroke risk. Targeting these specific harmful oral bacteria may help prevent stroke.”
There IS a quick test! It already exists! And yet, medicine and dentistry are still operating in separate silos, completely unaware of each other.
Dentists are treating bleeding gums like it’s a mouth problem. Doctors are treating strokes like it’s a brain problem. But it’s the same body! This is nuts—how do we fix this?
In fact, as soon as I hit send on this newsletter, I’m going to try to get in touch with Dr. Tonomura directly.
Because this is the missing link between oral health and medicine, and it’s time we start connecting the dots.
🧪 Want to Know Your Own Risk? Test Your Oral Microbiome
Most dentists and doctors aren’t testing for this yet. But the good news? Anyone can check their own oral microbiome—patients and providers alike.
For about $100, you can get data on your oral bacteria—something that could help predict and prevent a stroke before it starts.
🧪 Curious about your levels? THIS at-home oral microbiome test is the one I use and recommend. (Use code DRB for 10% off)
Dentistry and medicine are finally catching up to what I’ve seen in my patients for decades:
You can’t be healthy without a healthy mouth.
I’ve worked with thousands of patients who struggled with everything from gum disease to heart issues, and one thing is clear—small changes in your oral care routine can have an outsized impact on your overall health.
This isn’t just about avoiding cavities—it’s about protecting your brain, heart, and longevity.
Everyday habits—what you eat, how you care for your mouth, and even what toothpaste you use—can lower your risk of stroke and major health problems.
Let me know what you thought of today’s newsletter—I love hearing from you!
P.S. Want to See My Top Recommended Oral Health Products?
Check out my personally curated list of oral microbiome-friendly toothpaste, probiotics, and more HERE. 🚀