In a new study, researchers found that people with the most common type of stroke may have mouth bacteria in their brains.
The finding suggests that gum and tooth diseases can be a big risk factor of stroke.
The research was conducted by a team of Finnish researchers.
Previous research has shown that bacterial infections in the mouth may be linked to heart disease.
In the study, the team examined bacteria in blood clots removed from 75 patients who were treated for an ischemic stroke.
The patients were treated at Tampere University Hospital in Finland between 2013 and 2017.
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is mainly caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain.
The researchers found that more than 80% of the patients had bacterial DNA in their blood clot in the brain.
Most of the bacteria were found in the mouth that could lead to infections if they enter the bloodstream.
Previous research has shown that the bacteria are involved in endocarditis and may lead to infections of the lining, valves or muscles of the heart.
The team suggests that bacteria may play a role in developing the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
But it is important to know that it’s common that bacteria enter the bloodstream. Even they exist in blood clots, their roles in developing stroke still needs more research to confirm.
The researchers suggest that regular dental checkups are still important for people to maintain overall health.
The study is the first to show common mouth bacterial DNA in ischemic stroke patients.
The lead author of the study is Olli Patrakka from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tampere University.
The study is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Copyright © 2019 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
