Mouth Bacteria Linked to Heart attack Risk in New Study
BOSTON, MA – A newly published study reveals a potential link between oral bacteria found within arterial plaques and teh risk of heart attack, suggesting a previously underestimated connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease.Researchers found evidence that specific bacteria, thriving in biofilms within arteries, may trigger inflammation leading to plaque rupture – a major cause of heart attacks.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, examined arterial plaque samples and identified the presence of oral bacteria. Researchers observed a correlation between the presence of thes bacteria and signs of inflammation associated with plaque instability. While the research doesn’t definitively prove causation, it strengthens the hypothesis that mouth bacteria could contribute to a dangerous sequence of events culminating in a heart attack.
For decades,population studies have indicated a connection between oral health and heart health. Everyday actions like brushing and chewing can introduce mouth bacteria into the bloodstream, particularly when gums are inflamed. This new research suggests a mechanism: bacteria may colonize plaques, form biofilms, and then release components that provoke inflammation at vulnerable points within the artery.Experts emphasize this is not a justification for widespread antibiotic use or a claim that brushing teeth alone prevents heart disease. Established risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history remain critically important. The study proposes that bacteria, especially in biofilm form, might potentially be an additional factor that increases the likelihood of plaque rupture in individuals already at risk.Researchers plan to investigate whether targeting biofilms, improving oral hygiene, or modulating the immune response could stabilize arterial plaques. Further research is needed to determine cause and effect and pinpoint which bacterial characteristics are most meaningful within human arteries.
Current recommendations from the American Heart Association remain the cornerstone of cardiovascular health: manage LDL cholesterol, avoid smoking and vaping, engage in regular physical activity, prioritize sleep, and adopt a heart-healthy diet. Maintaining good dental hygiene – regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups – can also help minimize the entry of mouth bacteria into the bloodstream. These combined habits, while not guarantees, collectively reduce risk.
