Oral health isn’t just about teeth and gums: new research is highlighting a direct link with cardiovascular health.
A recent Finnish study, published in Journal of the American Heart Association, discovered the presence of oral bacteria in the coronary plaques of patients with heart disease. This discovery opens interesting perspectives on prevention and the role of oral hygiene in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
The Finnish study linking oral health and the heart
The research group from the University of Tampere (Finland) analyzed samples of arterial plaques from:
121 subjects who died suddenly,
96 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy..
The results showed that approximately 42% of coronary plaques contained DNA from oral bacteria, in particular streptococchi viridans, commonly present in the oral cavity.
Dormant bacteria in the arteries
According to researchers, these microorganisms can remain dormant for years inside the arteries, embedded in biofilms that make them invisible to the immune system. In certain circumstances, such as infections or inflammatory states, they could reactivate, contributing to local inflammatory processes and favoring them the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, event that often precedes a heart attack
Prevention: the role of oral hygiene
The authors underline that, although a direct cause-effect relationship has not yet been demonstrated, the results confirm the importance of maintaining good oral health as part of cardiovas cardiovascular prevention.
Correct daily oral hygiene, combined with regular check-ups at the dentist, could help reduce not only gum problems, but also risks related to heart health.
The Finnish study represents an important step in understanding the link between oral health and the heart.
Although further research is needed to confirm these data and clarify the biological mechanisms involved, it is clear that prevention begins with oral health. A simple daily gesture like brushing your teeth and having regular dental visits could have benefits that go far beyond your smile.