Brushing teeth frequently is linked with lower risks of atrial
fibrillation and heart failure, according to a study published in the European
Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a journal of the
European Society of Cardiology (ESC).1
Previous research suggests that poor oral hygiene leads to
bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation increases
the risks of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure (the
heart’s ability to pump blood or relax and fill with blood is impaired). This
study examined the connection between oral hygiene and occurrence of these two
conditions.
The retrospective cohort study enrolled 161,286 participants of
the Korean National Health Insurance System aged 40 to 79 with no history of
atrial fibrillation or heart failure. Participants underwent a routine medical
examination between 2003 and 2004. Information was collected on height, weight,
laboratory tests, illnesses, lifestyle, oral health, and oral hygiene
behaviours.
During a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 4,911 (3.0%)
participants developed atrial fibrillation and 7,971 (4.9%) developed heart
failure.
Tooth brushing three or more times a day was associated with a 10%
lower risk of atrial fibrillation and a 12% lower risk of heart failure during
10.5-year follow up. The findings were independent of a number of factors
including age, sex, socioeconomic status, regular exercise, alcohol
consumption, body mass index, and comorbidities such as hypertension.
While the study did not investigate mechanisms, one possibility is
that frequent tooth brushing reduces bacteria in the subgingival biofilm
(bacteria living in the pocket between the teeth and gums), thereby preventing
translocation to the bloodstream.
Senior author Dr. Tae-Jin Song of Ewha Womans University, Seoul,
Korea noted that the analysis was limited to one country and as an
observational study does not prove causation. But he added: “We studied a large
group over a long period, which adds strength to our findings.”
An accompanying editorial states: “It is certainly too early to
recommend tooth brushing for the prevention of atrial fibrillation and congestive
heart failure”. It adds: “While the role of inflammation in the occurrence of
cardiovascular disease is becoming more and more evident, intervention studies
are needed to define strategies of public health importance.”2
References
1Chang Y, Woo HG, Park J, et al. Improved oral hygiene care is
associated with decreased risk of occurrence for atrial fibrillation and heart
failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2019.
doi:10.1177/2047487319886018.
2Meyre P, Conen D. Does tooth brushing protect from atrial
fibrillation and heart failure? Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2019.
doi:10.1177/2047487319886413.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/02122019-brush-your-teeth-to-protect-the-heart/
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