A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has given us a better understanding of the bacteria behind serious mouth infections.
This discovery could help explain how problems in the mouth are connected to diseases in other parts of the body.
We already know that poor oral health can be linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. But until now, scientists didn’t fully understand which bacteria were most involved in severe oral infections.
To learn more, researchers looked at bacteria samples collected from patients over a ten-year period, from 2010 to 2020, at Karolinska University Hospital.
They found that certain types of bacteria kept showing up in serious infections in the mouth and jaw. Over the years, these bacteria have become more common in Stockholm. Some of these same bacteria are known to cause infections in other parts of the body, which makes their role in oral infections even more important.
The most common types of bacteria found in the study came from four main groups: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria.
Within these groups, bacteria like Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Staphylococcus were often seen. These bacteria are already known to cause health problems, and now they’ve also been found in deep oral infections.
The danger of these bacteria isn’t just in the mouth. When an oral infection gets worse, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. This can damage organs and lead to other diseases.
In fact, earlier research by the same institute found oral bacteria in the pancreas of people with cancer. The bacteria were linked to more serious tumors.
This makes it very important to treat mouth infections quickly. It also shows that dentists and microbiologists should work more closely to find and treat harmful bacteria early. Preventing oral infections could protect more than just your teeth—it might help protect your whole body.
Taking care of your mouth is not hard, but it is important. Brushing and flossing every day, along with regular dental visits, can keep harmful bacteria under control. If oral infections are left untreated, they can lead to worse health problems later on.
The study also adds to what we already know about the link between oral and general health. Other studies have shown that gum disease may be tied to high blood pressure. Some research says that certain mouthwashes may hurt tooth enamel, but some heartburn drugs might actually help gum health.
This study was led by Professor Sällberg Chen and published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum. It reminds us that a healthy mouth is not just about looks—it plays a big role in staying healthy overall.
Scientists are still learning more about how the mouth affects the rest of the body. In the future, this could lead to better treatments and ways to prevent illness. But for now, taking simple steps to care for your teeth and gums can really help protect your health.
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