dental Infection Linked to Heart Attacks in New Research
HELSINKI, Finland – A groundbreaking study published in teh Journal of the American Heart Association reveals a potential link between dental infections and myocardial infarction (heart attack), suggesting a new understanding of cardiovascular disease and opening avenues for preventative strategies. Researchers have discovered bacterial biofilms within the constrictions of heart arteries, indicating that heart attacks may, in some cases, be a consequence of infectious disease rather than solely lifestyle factors and heredity.
The research, led by Professor Pekka Karhunen, identified a mucus-like biofilm produced by bacteria residing within the heart’s wreath arteries. This structure can persist in vascular tissues for extended periods without causing immediate symptoms, shielding bacteria from both the immune system and antibiotics. Tissue samples analyzed from individuals who died of sudden cardiac death and patients undergoing surgery for atherosclerosis confirmed the presence of these bacterial structures through multiple autonomous methods.
“A healthy heart begins with a healthy mouth,” states Associate Professor Tommi Pätilä. “Good oral hygiene – daily tooth brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular dentist visits – reduces the risk of both gum inflammation and heart problems.”
The findings highlight the critical importance of controlling biofilm in the mouth. Researchers, including Pätilä, have developed the Lumoral method, a patented at-home medical technology designed to reduce plaque bacteria and inflammation, potentially supporting both oral and cardiovascular health.
The study, Viridans streptococcal biofilm evades immune detection and contributes to inflammation and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques (Karhunen PJ, Pessi T, Hörkkö S, et al.J Am Heart Assoc. 2025;14(16):e041521. doi:10.1161/JAHA.125.041521), challenges the conventional view of heart attacks and suggests incorporating infectious disease considerations into prevention and treatment.
Further research, including a randomized trial of dual-light photodynamic therapy for chronic periodontitis (Pakarinen S, Saarela R, Välimaa HM, Heikkinen AM, Kankuri E, Noponen M, Alapulli H, Tervahartiala T, Räisänen IT, Sorsa T, Pätilä T. 2022. A randomized trial of the home-applied dual-light photoDynamic Therapy in Stable Chronic Periodontitis (Hope-CP)-Interim Analysis of Half Cohort Results.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9689653/), continues to explore the connection between oral health and systemic disease.
