Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Rhythm Disorders
A new study from Hiroshima University suggests that skipping your dental hygiene routine could put your heart at risk. Researchers have discovered that a common gum disease bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can travel from the mouth to the heart, where it may contribute to a serious heart rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib).
The Hidden Threat in Your Gums
P. gingivalis is a well-known cause of periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. But scientists now believe it may do more than just harm your teeth and gums. Once this bacterium enters the bloodstream, it can reach other parts of the body, including the heart.
In this study, P. gingivalis was found to build up scar tissue (fibrosis) in the heart’s left atrium. This scarring can disturb the heart’s electrical signals and increase the likelihood of developing AFib, a condition that raises the risk of stroke, heart failure, and even death.
How Strong Is the Connection?
Doctors have noticed that people with gum disease often face higher rates of heart problems. A recent review of several studies found that having gum disease could raise the risk of AFib by about 30%. However, the reason for this link has remained unclear until now.
What the Study Found
To explore this connection, researchers created a mouse model. They infected one group of mice with P. gingivalis, while another group remained uninfected. After 18 weeks, the infected mice were six times more likely to develop abnormal heart rhythms. These mice also showed more scar tissue in their heart muscle, confirming that the bacteria not only reached the heart but likely damaged it.
In addition, the same bacteria were found in tissue samples from human AFib patients, especially in those with severe gum disease.
A Stealthy Invader
One reason P. gingivalis is so dangerous is its ability to hide inside cells. This helps it avoid the body’s immune system, allowing it to travel through the bloodstream and silently trigger inflammation and scarring. In the infected mice, researchers saw a rise in galectin-3 (a marker of heart fibrosis) and other genes linked to tissue damage.
Prevention Starts with Oral Care
This research suggests that taking care of your teeth and gums might help protect your heart, too. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly could help stop harmful bacteria like P. gingivalis from entering the bloodstream and reaching the heart.
According to lead researcher Dr. Shunsuke Miyauchi, “Periodontal treatment may play an important role in preventing atrial fibrillation by stopping the spread of P. gingivalis from the gums to the heart.”
Bridging the Gap Between Dentistry and Cardiology
The team at Hiroshima University is now working to promote collaboration between dentists and heart specialists. Their goal is to create a unified care system that considers both oral and cardiovascular health, starting in Hiroshima Prefecture and eventually expanding across Japan.
Next, researchers aim to understand exactly how P. gingivalis damages heart cells and to find new ways to stop it.
Conclusion
Good oral hygiene could be a powerful tool for heart health. Keeping your gums healthy may help prevent serious conditions like atrial fibrillation, making that daily flossing routine more important than ever.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
