A recent study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet has provided valuable insights into the types of bacteria that are commonly found in severe oral infections.
These findings could help us better understand how oral health is connected to overall health and how harmful bacteria in the mouth can influence other diseases.
Oral health has long been linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Despite this, scientists haven’t had a clear picture of which bacteria are most often involved in serious oral infections.
This study aimed to close that gap by analyzing bacterial samples collected from patients over ten years, between 2010 and 2020, at Karolinska University Hospital.
The researchers found that certain types of bacteria were consistently present in the infected areas of the mouth and jaw. Over time, some of these bacteria, which are also known to be linked to other health problems, have become more common in Stockholm.
The most frequent bacterial groups identified were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Within these groups, the specific bacteria Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Staphylococcus were particularly common.
These bacteria are already known for causing infections in other parts of the body, and now they’ve been shown to play a major role in severe oral health issues as well.
The presence of these harmful bacteria isn’t just a problem for the mouth. Severe oral infections can allow bacteria to spread to other parts of the body, potentially causing damage to organs and tissues beyond the mouth.
For instance, earlier research from the same institute found oral bacteria in the pancreas, where they were linked to the severity of pancreatic tumors.
This connection highlights how crucial it is to treat oral infections promptly. It also suggests that better collaboration between dentists and microbiologists could improve how we identify and treat these infections.
Good oral hygiene—such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups—can help prevent harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth. This is especially important because untreated oral infections can lead to more serious health problems over time.
The study also adds to a growing body of research that links oral health to broader health concerns. For example, other studies have found connections between gum disease and high blood pressure.
Some research suggests that specific mouthwashes could harm tooth enamel, while certain medications used for heartburn might actually help improve gum health.
Led by Professor Sällberg Chen and published in Microbiology Spectrum, the study underscores the importance of taking oral health seriously—not just for a healthy smile but for overall well-being.
As scientists continue to explore these connections, the hope is that new treatments and preventive measures will emerge to improve both dental and general health.
In the meantime, taking small steps to care for your teeth and gums can make a big difference, not just in preventing oral infections but also in supporting your overall health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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