Gum disease bacteria may cause heart disease

A new study has shown that the same bacteria which causes gum disease also promotes heart disease. The discovery could lead to a change in the way cardiac problems are diagnosed and treated, according to the University of Florida, which conducted the research.

Announcing their findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, the team of researchers said the introduction of oral bacteria into the bloodstream in mice increased risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease. 

Presenting the data, graduate student in the University of Florida's College of Medicine Irina M Velsko said the team hoped that the American Heart Association will acknowledge causal links between oral disease and increased risk of heart disease. 

During the study, the researchers infected mice with four specific bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum) that cause gum disease and analysed their progression. Once the bacteria were detected in the mouse gums, heart and aorta, there was an increase in risk factors associated with heart disease, including cholesterol and inflammation.

In 2012, the American Heart Association noted there was an association between gum and heart disease, but not a causal association.

"In Western medicine there is a disconnect between oral health and general health in the rest of the body; Dentistry is a separate field of study from medicine. The mouth is the gateway to the body and our data provides one more piece of a growing body of research that points to direct connections between oral health and systemic health," said Dr Kesavalu Lakshmyya, associate professor at the University of Florida's Department of Periodontology in the College of Dentistry.

Dr Lakshmyya added that the intent of the study was to increase awareness of the links between oral hygiene and heart disease.

Cardiologist at the university Alexandra Lucas said that, by understanding the importance of treating gum disease in patients with heart problems, future studies and treatments could be developed. It would also give further support to patients being encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene, as this could also decrease their chances of developing heart disease.