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A growing collection of studies is bringing attention to the connection between the mouth and heart. Although brushing and flossing are often viewed as simple beauty routines, a recent study from Tampere University in Finland reveals that germs in the mouth may have a much more serious impact – they might lead to heart attacks. Researchers found germs' DNA within heart plaques, changing how we think about dental care and preventing heart issues. It is already known that infections caused by mouth bacteria, especially Streptococcus bacteria, can lead to rheumatic fever, which may cause endocarditis or, in rare cases, myocarditis. The new development is that this type of bacteria can settle in heart plaques and help trigger inflammation that can cause them to burst, turning a dental concern into a cause of heart attacks.
To effectively prevent heart problems, care should extend beyond just managing cholesterol and blood pressure to include consistent dental care, with the possibility of new treatments aimed at targeting bacterial films in plaques. The study also emphasizes how bacteria can quietly affect arteries. Scientists have found that mouth bacteria can travel to heart arteries and nest within fatty plaques. These oral germs create biofilms that the immune system struggles to clear. Once these biofilms become inflamed, they can break the plaque in arteries and block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack. The takeaway is straightforward: maintaining good oral hygiene benefits not only your teeth and gums but also supports heart health. For many years, physicians have pointed to diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity as the main risks for heart disease. However, these new findings broaden that understanding. This research indicates that mouth bacteria might speed up artery blockages directly.
Long-term low-level inflammation from gum disease can encourage plaque growth, damage the lining of blood vessels, and increase the chances of a rupture. There is now increasing focus on less conventional risk factors like ongoing stress, inadequate sleep, and poor oral health. The relationship between mouth health and heart disease is no longer purely theoretical. As more evidence is gathered, the conclusion is clear: brushing twice daily, promptly treating gum issues, and seeing the dentist regularly might not only preserve your smile but also safeguard your heart.
