A study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has revealed new insights into the bacteria commonly found in severe oral infections. This research not only highlights the bacteria that thrive in these infections but also explores their potential links to other serious health issues.
The team behind the study hopes their findings will deepen our understanding of how oral bacteria may contribute to diseases affecting the whole body.
For years, scientists have recognized a connection between oral health and major illnesses like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, there has been little research tracking which specific bacteria are present in serious oral and facial infections over time.
To address this gap, researchers at Karolinska University Hospital analyzed samples collected from patients with severe oral infections between 2010 and 2020. The goal was to identify the most common bacteria and explore their impact on overall health.
The study found that certain bacteria linked to systemic diseases are consistently present in oral infections—and some of these bacteria have become more common in the past decade in Stockholm.
The most frequently found bacterial groups (known as phyla) were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Among these, specific types of bacteria, such as Streptococcus spp., Prevotella spp., and Staphylococcus spp., were especially common.
These findings provide valuable insight into the variety and prevalence of harmful microbes involved in oral infections. But this research isn’t just about improving dental care—it also sheds light on how infections in the mouth can impact the rest of the body.
For example, if harmful bacteria in the mouth cause damage there, they can potentially spread to other parts of the body and harm tissues elsewhere. This connection could explain why poor oral health is often linked to more serious illnesses.
The research team previously discovered that the presence of oral bacteria in the pancreas is associated with the severity of pancreatic tumors.
This highlights how bacteria from the mouth may travel to distant organs and influence disease progression. The current study builds on these findings by identifying specific bacteria that could play a role in such systemic effects.
The researchers hope this work will encourage collaboration between dentists and microbiologists to improve the diagnosis and treatment of oral infections.
By better understanding which bacteria are involved, healthcare professionals could develop more effective strategies to manage these infections and reduce their impact on overall health.
The study also serves as a reminder of the importance of good oral hygiene. Simple practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can help prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Additionally, staying informed about recent findings, such as how certain heartburn drugs might benefit gum health or how gum disease can increase the risk of high blood pressure, can help people take proactive steps to protect their oral and general health.
Conducted by Professor Sällberg Chen and colleagues, this study was published in Microbiology Spectrum and represents a significant step toward understanding the complex relationship between oral bacteria and systemic diseases.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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