NEWSLETTER
Cappelli Dental · Hillsdale, NJ · May 2026
The connection between
your mouth and your heart
What stroke awareness month means for your dental health
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States — and one of the leading causes of long-term disability. Here at Cappelli Dental, we believe prevention starts in the dental chair. What happens in your mouth doesn't stay in your mouth, and the science on this has never been clearer.
By the numbers
Stroke in America
795K
Americans have a stroke every year
1 in 4
stroke survivors will have a second stroke
$56B
annual cost of stroke in the U.S.
87%
of strokes are ischemic — caused by a clot
80%
of strokes are preventable with lifestyle changes
4 min
brain cells begin dying without oxygen
The oral-systemic link
What does gum disease have to do with stroke?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the tissues supporting your teeth. When left untreated, the bacteria and the inflammatory proteins they trigger don't stay local — they enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found that patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease have a 2 to 3 times greater risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with healthy gums. The mechanism is systemic inflammation — the same biological pathway that leads to hardened arteries, blood clots, and cardiovascular events.
Every time you have inflamed, bleeding gums, bacteria are entering your bloodstream. Over time, that chronic low-grade infection puts real stress on your heart, arteries, and brain.
Gum disease stats
How widespread is this problem?
47%
of U.S. adults over 30 have periodontal disease
70%
of adults over 65 have periodontal disease
2–3×
higher stroke risk with untreated gum disease
64M
Americans have some form of gum disease right now
Most people with gum disease don't know they have it. It's often painless in its early stages — which is exactly why regular dental visits matter so much.
Risk factors
How gum disease compounds your stroke risk
Periodontal disease doesn't work alone. It amplifies other risk factors you may already have:
Risk multiplier estimates based on published epidemiological literature.
Warning signs
Signs you shouldn't ignore
Bleeding gums
Healthy gums don't bleed. Frequent bleeding — even from brushing — signals active bacterial infection below the gumline.
Persistent bad breath
Chronic halitosis that doesn't resolve with brushing is often a sign of deep periodontal infection, not just surface bacteria.
Receding gums or loose teeth
Advanced signs that bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth are being destroyed by ongoing infection.
Swollen or tender gums
Visible inflammation means systemic inflammatory markers are elevated — affecting your cardiovascular system whether you feel it or not.
Tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing
Can signal bone loss or gum recession — structural damage that goes well beyond cosmetics.
Changes in your bite or fit of dentures
Shifting teeth are a late-stage warning sign. At this point, the disease has been progressing — often silently — for years.
Know the signs of stroke
BE FAST — act within minutes
When a stroke is happening, every second counts. Remember this acronym:
B — Balance
Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E — Eyes
Sudden blurred or double vision
F — Face
One side of the face drooping
A — Arms
One arm weak or numb
S — Speech
Slurred or strange speech
T — Time
Call 911 immediately. Time is crucial.
Our approach
What we do at Cappelli Dental
Dr. Cappelli doesn't just look at your teeth. Every comprehensive exam at Cappelli Dental includes a full periodontal assessment — because we know that a healthy smile and a healthy body are not separate conversations.
If we identify signs of gum disease, we move quickly. Scaling and root planing, targeted periodontal therapy, and a structured hygiene schedule are part of a protocol built to stop the inflammation cycle before it becomes a systemic risk.
We also work collaboratively with your physician when needed. If we see signs that warrant medical follow-up, we'll tell you — because our job isn't just beautiful smiles. It's whole-body health, starting in the mouth.
2×/yr
recommended cleanings for most adults
3–4×
per year for patients with active gum disease
Early
stage gum disease is fully reversible with treatment
This May
Give your mouth — and your heart — some attention.
If you're overdue for a cleaning or haven't had a full periodontal screening, now is the time. Don't wait for symptoms. The most dangerous stage of gum disease is the one you can't feel yet.
Schedule your appointment →Cappelli Dental · Hillsdale, NJ · Bergen County's cosmetic dental destination
cappellidental.com
Your Mouth
Could Be
Saving Your Life.
Every April, we pause to shine a light on one of the most underdiagnosed — and most preventable — cancers affecting Americans today. This month, we are proud to stand with the dental community in raising awareness, promoting early detection, and protecting the health of every patient in Bergen County.
in the U.S. each year
every hour from oral cancer
caught in early stages
A Message That Could Change — or Save — Your Life
Every single day in my practice, I have the privilege of looking not just at smiles — but at health. And every April, I am reminded of why that responsibility goes far beyond cosmetics.
Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that a trained dental professional can detect early, often before a patient feels a single symptom. That is why your regular dental visit is not just about clean teeth — it is a potentially life-saving screening.
This month, I want to make sure every patient, every neighbor, and every family in Hillsdale and across Bergen County has the information they need to protect themselves and the people they love.
What Is Oral Cancer — and Why Does It Matter?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in any part of the mouth — the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. When detected late, it requires aggressive treatment and carries a significantly lower survival rate. When detected early, it is highly treatable.
The challenge is that oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, making professional screenings the single most reliable line of defense. You cannot always see it. You cannot always feel it. But we can find it.
"When oral cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 84%. When caught late, that number drops to below 40%. A two-minute screening at your dental appointment could be the most important two minutes of your year."
That is not a statistic we take lightly. It is the reason oral cancer screenings are a standard part of every comprehensive exam at Cappelli Dental — not an extra, not an add-on, but a fundamental part of how we care for you.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors significantly increase your risk. Understanding them is the first step toward prevention.
Important: The fastest-growing group of oral cancer patients today is young, healthy, non-smoking individuals — primarily due to the rise of HPV. No one is exempt. Everyone should be screened.
Warning Signs to Never Ignore
If you notice any of the following lasting more than two weeks, contact our office immediately. Early detection is everything.
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal
- A lump, thickening, or rough patch in the mouth
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw
- Numbness or pain in any area of the mouth
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat
These symptoms do not always mean cancer — but they always mean you should be evaluated. Please do not wait.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening at Cappelli Dental?
Our screenings are thorough, painless, and completed as part of your regular visit. Here is exactly what we do:
Visual Examination
Dr. Cappelli carefully examines your lips, tongue, gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, and the back of your throat for any unusual changes in color, texture, or shape.
Physical Palpation
We gently feel the tissues of your mouth and jaw, checking for lumps, irregular tissue changes, or other abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Neck and Lymph Node Check
We examine the lymph nodes in your neck for any swelling or tenderness, which can be an early indicator of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
Patient Education & Risk Discussion
We review your personal risk factors, lifestyle habits, and any concerns you may have. This conversation is as important as the physical examination itself.
Referral If Needed
If anything requires further evaluation, we will refer you promptly to the appropriate specialist — without delay. Your health comes first, always.
Six Things You Can Do Right Now
Quit Tobacco
Any form of tobacco dramatically raises your risk. Quitting is the single most impactful step you can take.
Limit Alcohol
Moderate consumption significantly reduces risk. Avoid combining alcohol with tobacco use.
Eat Well
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that actively protect oral tissues.
Protect Your Lips
Use SPF lip balm daily and limit prolonged sun exposure to reduce lip cancer risk.
HPV Vaccination
Ask your physician about the HPV vaccine, particularly for young adults and adolescents.
See Your Dentist
Regular dental visits are your best defense. Schedule every six months without exception.
Your Screening Could Be
the Most Important Appointment
You Make This Year.
Oral cancer screenings are included in every comprehensive exam at Cappelli Dental. If it has been more than six months since your last visit, now is the time. Call us today.
Schedule Your Appointment Or call us directly: 201-666-8989 · Hillsdale, NJTo Our Bergen County Family
For over 50 years, Cappelli Dental has been more than a practice — we have been a part of this community. From Hillsdale to Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes to Saddle River, we have had the honor of caring for generations of families across Bergen County.
This month, we ask you to do two things: schedule your own screening, and share this newsletter with someone you love. Forward it to a friend. Text it to a parent. Post it on social media. Awareness saves lives — and it starts with a single conversation.
Thank you for trusting us with your health. We do not take that lightly, and we never will.
