From toothbrush to cardiologist: Japanese scientists discover shocking connection

Scientists from Hiroshima University have made an alarming discovery: the common oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, known as a cause of gum inflammation, can penetrate the heart and trigger serious rhythm disturbances, including atrial fibrillation. The research results are published in the scientific journal Circulation.

During experiments on laboratory mice, researchers convincingly demonstrated that this bacterium can migrate to the left atrium, where it causes the development of fibrosis - the formation of scar tissue that disrupts the normal propagation of electrical signals in the heart. By the 18th week of the experiment, infected rodents showed a six-fold increase in the probability of developing arrhythmias compared to the control group.

To confirm the relevance of these findings for humans, scientists analyzed tissue samples from 68 patients with atrial fibrillation who had undergone cardiac surgery. The study confirmed the presence of P. gingivalis in heart tissues, with bacterial concentrations significantly higher in patients with severe forms of periodontitis. It is worth noting that this same bacterium has previously been found in the brain, liver, and other human organs.

The researchers come to an important conclusion: thorough oral hygiene and timely treatment of gum diseases can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. In the future, the scientific team plans to develop collaboration between cardiologists and dentists for effective prevention of such conditions and to develop an interdisciplinary model for monitoring patients at risk.