Study links bacterium lurking in gums with heart rhythm disorder

IANS May 17, 2025 494 views

A groundbreaking study from Hiroshima University reveals a shocking connection between oral bacteria and heart health. Researchers discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis can slip into the bloodstream and potentially trigger heart rhythm disorders. The study, published in Circulation, demonstrates how this bacterium can cause significant heart tissue changes in mouse models. These findings could revolutionize our understanding of the complex relationship between dental and cardiovascular health.

"The causal relationship between periodontitis and atrial fibrillation is still unknown" - Shunsuke Miyauchi, Hiroshima University
Study links bacterium lurking in gums with heart rhythm disorder
New Delhi, May 17: People suffering from gum disease may be at an increased risk of developing heart rhythm disorder also known as atrial fibrillation, according to a study.

Key Points

1

Japanese researchers discovered link between gum disease and heart rhythm

2

P. gingivalis bacterium can enter bloodstream and affect heart

3

Mice study shows six times higher AFib risk after 18 weeks

4

Global atrial fibrillation cases nearly doubled in less than a decade

Researchers from Hiroshima University in Japan found that gum disease-causing bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can slip into the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart.

Once in the heart, it quietly drives scar tissue buildup -- distorting the heart's architecture, disrupting electrical signals, and raising the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) -- a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other life-threatening complications.

Globally, AFib cases nearly doubled in under a decade, rising from 33.5 million in 2010 to roughly 60 million by 2019. Growing evidence suggests that gum disease might be contributing to the surge.

The study, published in the journal Circulation, provides the first clear evidence that P. gingivalis in the gums can work its way into the left atrium in both animal models and humans, pointing to a potential microbial pathway linking periodontitis to AFib.

"The causal relationship between periodontitis and atrial fibrillation is still unknown, but the spread of periodontal bacteria through the bloodstream may connect these conditions," said Shunsuke Miyauchi, Assistant Professor at the varsity's Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences.

For the study, the team created a mouse model using the bacterium's aggressive W83 strain. They divided 13-week-old male mice into two groups: one had the strain introduced into the tooth pulp, and the other remained uninfected.

Each was further split into subgroups and observed for either 12 or 18 weeks to track the cardiovascular risks of prolonged exposure.

The results revealed no difference in AFib risk between infected and uninfected mice at 12 weeks.

But by week 18, tests showed that mice exposed to the bacterium were six times more likely to develop abnormal heart rhythms, with a 30 per cent AFib inducibility rate compared to just 5 per cent in the control group.

Further, the team also spotted P. gingivalis in the heart's left atrium, where infected tissue had turned stiff and fibrous.

In contrast, the uninfected mice had healthy teeth and no trace of the bacterium in heart tissue samples.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is eye-opening! My grandfather had both gum issues and heart problems. Doctors never connected the two. In India, we often neglect dental health thinking it's separate from overall health. Time to book that dentist appointment I've been postponing! 😬
R
Rahul S.
Interesting research but needs more human trials. Most Indians can't afford regular dental checkups - government should make oral healthcare more accessible under Ayushman Bharat. Prevention is better than cure, as our elders say.
A
Ananya M.
My cardiologist always asks about dental health during checkups. Now I understand why! Sharing this with my family WhatsApp group - we Indians need to move beyond just brushing twice daily and actually visit dentists regularly.
V
Vikram J.
The study used mice - human bodies work differently. While the findings are concerning, we shouldn't panic. Many Indians use traditional remedies like neem sticks for oral care - maybe research should study if these protect against such bacteria.
S
Sunita R.
As a nurse, I've seen many heart patients with poor oral hygiene. This study explains what we've observed clinically. Government hospitals should include dental screening in cardiac OPDs. Health is holistic - can't keep treating body parts separately.
K
Karan P.
The 18-week timeline in mice roughly equals several years in humans. So occasional missed dental visits probably won't cause AFib, but chronic neglect might. Moderation is key - no need to obsess, but don't ignore gum bleeding either.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Gum Disease Heart Health Porphyromonas gingivalis Atrial Fibrillation Medical Research Cardiovascular Risk