Total numbers of oral pathogens found to affect heart health more than a single type of bacteria

Researchers from the University of Buffalo Department of Oral Biology in the School of Dental Medicine conducted a study involving 386 men and women between the ages of 35 and 69, each of whom had suffered a heart attack. The study also included 840 heart-healthy individuals as controls. Oelisoa M. Andriankaja, D.D.S., Ph.D. and her colleagues collected samples of dental plaque - where germs adhere - from 12 different sites in the gums of all participants. They then analyzed the samples to determine the presence of six common forms of periodontal bacteria and to assess the total numbers of bacteria.

The participants who had suffered heart attacks were shown to have more of each type of bacteria than the control group. In addition, two species - Tannerella Forsynthesis and Preventella Intermedia - had a "statistically significant association with an increased risk of heart attack." Results also showed that an increase in the number of different types of periodontal bacteria increased the odds of having a heart attack. "The message here is that even though some specific periodontal pathogens have been found to be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, the total bacterial pathogenic burden is more important than the type of bacteria," says Dr. Andriankaja. "In other words, the total number of 'bugs' is more important than one single organism."

Dr. Andriankaja also noted that prospective studies that measure oral bacteria in participants who have no history of heart problems, but later suffer a heart attack, is needed to better assess the correlation between organisms that cause gum disease and the development of heart disease.

News Release: The more oral bacteria, the higher the risk of heart attack, UB study shows http://www.buffalo.edu/news/10019   April 1, 2009