A recent study has been released highlighting the link between mouth bacteria and strokes.
This study was completed by a Finnish research group. This study included 75 patients who were treated for an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke is the most common of strokes accounting for 87% of all strokes. It is usually caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
The Study
This study took place from 2013-2017 in Tampere University Hospital in Finland. The group analysed the blood clots that were removed from these 75 patients for signs of bacteria. Of these 75 removed clots, 84% of them contained bacterial DNA. Breaking it down further, 54% of those clots contained a bacteria found in the mouth called viridans streptococci. This bacteria can cause infection if it gets into the bloodstream. The level of this bacteria found in the blood clot, was much higher than that taken from other samples from the patients.
Linking Bacteria Infections and Cardiovascular Disease
This study is part of a larger project that has been researching the link between bacterial infections and cardiovascular disease. This research has been going on for over 10 years. Over this time, they have identified the same bacteria found in the stroke patients, as those in patients who had heart attacks, blood clots in their legs, and brain aneurysms. However, this is the first study to show the link between this bacteria in those who had an ischemic stroke.
We believe that future studies will strengthen the view that regular dental care has a more important role than previously thought in the health of people.
Patrakka – Studies Lead Author
As research continues, it is believed that poor oral hygiene will be further linked to diseases. These include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, with the research completed to date, it is suggested to include a healthy oral hygiene routine as a preventive measure. This, along with a healthy diet, exercise and stopping smoking… that includes vaping!!
We believe that future studies will strengthen the view that regular dental care has a more important role than previously thought in the health of people.
Patrakka – Studies Lead Author
Not only is there a link between mouth bacteria and strokes, poor oral hygiene and periodontitis is also being linked to more and more diseases throughout the body. Therefore, you need to make sure you are on top of your oral hygiene… clean your teeth twice a day, use interdental brushes, and see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup. If you have any questions, or think you may need periodontal treatment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
