According to researchers, a recent study suggests that a basic mouth rinse has the potential to detect early indications of cardiovascular disease. The study was published in the peer-reviewed health journal Frontiers in Oral Health, led by Trevor King of Mount Royal University. The researchers focused on the connection between high levels of white blood cells in healthy adults’ saliva and early warning signs of cardiovascular disease.
The basis of this study lies in the fact that gum inflammation, which is associated with cardiovascular disease, can lead to periodontitis. To investigate this link, King and his team utilized a simple oral rinse to determine if high levels of white blood cells, indicating gum inflammation, could be correlated with warning signs of cardiovascular disease.
The results showed that high levels of white blood cells, in conjunction with compromised flow-mediated dilation, serve as an early indicator of poor arterial health. King commented on the significance of these findings, stating, “Even in young healthy adults, low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health, one of the leading causes of death in North America.”
Past studies have already established a connection between periodontitis, a common gum infection, and the development of cardiovascular disease. It is believed that inflammatory factors from the gums can enter the bloodstream and damage the vascular system. In order to determine if lower levels of oral inflammation can affect cardiovascular health, the scientists focused on studying healthy young individuals.
Ker-Yung Hong, the first author of the study and a dentistry student at the University of Western Ontario, highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to oral health and cardiovascular disease, stating, “We are starting to see more relationships between oral health and risk of cardiovascular disease. If we are seeing that oral health may have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in young healthy individuals, this holistic approach can be implemented earlier on.”
During the study, the researchers used pulse-wave velocity to measure the stiffness of the arteries, as stiff and poorly functioning arteries increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. They recruited 28 non-smokers between the ages of 18 and 30 with no comorbidities or medications that could impact cardiovascular risk. These participants underwent several tests, including blood pressure measurements, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity.
The findings revealed a significant relationship between high white blood cell count in saliva and poor flow-mediated dilation, indicating an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Michael Glogauer, a co-author of the study from the dental faculty of the University of Toronto, suggested implementing the mouth rinse test at regular check-ups with family doctors or dentists, as it is an easy and effective tool for measuring oral inflammation.
King acknowledged that this study was a pilot study and expressed plans to expand the research population and investigate the impact of different levels of gingival inflammation on cardiovascular measures by including individuals with gingivitis and advanced periodontitis.
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