Poor Oral Health Linked to Hidden Brain Damage . Older adults with gum disease were more likely to have white matter hyperintensities—bright areas seen on brain scans that indicate damage to nerve fibers responsible for communication between brain regions. These changes are tied to problems with memory, balance, and coordination, and may increase the risk of stroke.
A new study suggests that adults with gum disease could be more likely to show signs of white matter damage in the brain than those without it. The findings were published on October 22, 2025 . These white matter changes, known as white matter hyperintensities, appear as bright spots on brain scans and are thought to indicate tissue injury. Although the study revealed a connection between gum disease and these brain changes, it did not confirm a direct cause.
White matter is made up of nerve fibers that enable communication between different areas of the brain. When this tissue is harmed, it can affect functions such as memory, balance, coordination, and decision-making, and may increase the risk of stroke. White matter hyperintensities are a common finding in older adults and may be a marker of subtle brain injury related to blood vessel health or inflammation.
“This study shows a link between gum disease and white matter hyperintensities, suggesting oral health may play a role in brain health that we are only beginning to understand,” said study author Souvik Sen, MD, MS, MPH, of the University of South Carolina in Columbia. “While more research is needed to understand this relationship, these findings add to growing evidence that keeping your mouth healthy may support a healthier brain.”
