Bacteria that cause gum disease may inflict far more damage on our bodies than simply harming our teeth. According to a new study presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions, these bacteria contribute to calcium buildup in the heart’s aortic valve. This process, in turn, may lead to calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS)—a common and life-threatening heart valve disease.
Aortic valve stenosis develops when the valve gradually thickens and accumulates calcium (calcifies). This process impedes the normal flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body, which over time can cause severe fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart failure, and even premature death. Currently, there is no medication to prevent or halt the progression of this severe disease, and the only treatment method is surgical valve replacement.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences focused on the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes chronic gum inflammation. The scientists analyzed heart valve tissues from patients who had undergone surgery and discovered that the concentration of this bacterium in the damaged valves was surprisingly high.
Following this, the scientists conducted experiments on mice to determine the exact biological mechanism. It was revealed that the bacterium’s entry into the body activates a specific inflammatory protein (interleukin-1 beta), which directly accelerates calcium deposition in the valve. When the researchers administered preventive antibiotics to the mice or genetically blocked the aforementioned inflammatory protein, the symptoms of valve damage were dramatically reduced.
Experts emphasize that this study is yet another important piece of evidence showing how closely oral hygiene and heart health are connected. Although these data are preliminary and require further clinical confirmation in humans, the main message from the scientists is simple: caring for oral health is an important part of preventing cardiovascular diseases.
