Not brushing teeth at night linked to sudden heart attacks?

Your mum is right (as always)! Brushing and flossing your teeth is crucial, not just for your dental health, but also for your heart health. Skipping dental hygiene, especially at night, could do more than harm your smile. A new study found that poor dental hygiene could foster harmful bacteria in your mouth, which will later slip into the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart.

A groundbreaking study from Hiroshima University, published in Circulation, reveals that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to gum disease, can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart rhythm disorder tied to sudden heart attacks and strokes. The study found that the bacterium can enter the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart, which could lead to scar tissue buildup, known as fibrosis, that distorts the heart’s architecture, interferes with electrical signals, and raises the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib).

It was earlier known that people with periodontitis, a common form of gum disease, are more prone to cardiovascular problems. One recent meta-analysis has linked it to a 30% higher risk of developing AFib. Atrial fibrillation is a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other life-threatening complications. In the past decade, AFib cases have nearly doubled; rising from 33.5 million in 2010 to roughly 60 million by 2019.

Previous studies have observed inflammation as the likely culprit. When immune cells in the gums rally to fight infection, chemical signals they release can inadvertently seep into the bloodstream, fueling systemic inflammation that may damage organs far from the mouth. However, new research suggests that it's more than inflammation. Researchers have found oral bacteria in heart muscle, valves, and even fatty arterial plaques, and P. gingivalis was among them. This bacterium is a suspect in a growing list of systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and certain cancers. It has previously been detected in the brain, liver, and placenta; however, how it secures a place in the heart was unclear. The new study found the first clear evidence that P. gingivalis in the gums can worm its way into the left atrium in both animal models and humans, pointing to a potential microbial pathway linking periodontitis to AFib.

“The causal relationship between periodontitis and atrial fibrillation is still unknown, but the spread of periodontal bacteria through the bloodstream may connect these conditions,” study first author Shunsuke Miyauchi, assistant professor at HU’s Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, said in a statement.

“Among various periodontal bacteria, P. gingivalis is highly pathogenic to periodontitis and some systemic diseases outside the oral cavity. In this study, we have addressed these two key questions: Does P. gingivalis translocate to the left atrium from the periodontitis lesion? And if so, does it induce the progression of atrial fibrosis and AFib?” Miyauchi added.

The findings suggest that brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups might do more than promote oral hygiene, they could also help protect the heart. Keeping gums healthy could block the gateway for a P. gingivalis invasion.

To maintain good dental hygiene, ensure to brush twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles fray.

Flossing once a day can remove food particles and plaque between teeth where brushes can’t reach. You can also consider mouthwashes. Practices such as cleaning your tongue using a tongue scraper are good for oral hygiene. Also, limit sugary foods and drinks, and avoid tobacco for better dental health. Schedule checkups and cleanings every six months with your dentist.