Treating Gum Disease May Prevent Return of Irregular Heartbeat: Study

Though many may not realize it—the health of the heart is intimately connected to the health of the mouth.

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Could your toothbrush help maintain a steady heartbeat? Research in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates a connection between dental health and heart rhythm stability.

Patients who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib), characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats, might be surprised to find that the next step involves dental care. Researchers in Japan found that addressing gum disease shortly after the procedure significantly lowers the risk of the heart condition’s recurrence. Those treated for gum disease within three months post-ablation had a much lower rate of atrial fibrillation recurrences.

Brushing Toward a Healthier Heart

The two-year study, which involved adults undergoing AFib treatment, aimed to investigate the link between oral health and atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Before their heart catheter ablation procedures, a dentist evaluated each participant’s oral health using the periodontal inflamed surface area metric, which measures the extent of gum inflammation.

Of the 288 participants, 97 chose to undergo gum disease treatment one and three months after the heart procedure. Treatment included oral hygiene education, deep cleaning with ultrasonic devices and manual tools to remove plaque and tartar, and a concluding polish designed to prevent plaque from sticking again. Those involved in the study continued their prescribed anticoagulation medication throughout the treatment time.

The findings revealed that AFib returned in 24 percent of the participants during the follow-up period. However, those who received treatment for gum inflammation after their ablation procedure were 61 percent less likely to experience a recurrence of AFib than those who did not receive any gum disease treatment.

The study further revealed that returning AFib patients had more severe gum disease than those without a recurrence. It identified multiple recurrence predictors:

• Gum disease presence
• An irregular heartbeat history exceeding two years
• A larger left atrial volume, which can predispose individuals to AFib recurrence through the thickening and scarring of connective tissues

Also, more recurrence was observed in females than in males.

“Proper management of gum disease appears to improve the prognosis of AFib, and many people around the world could benefit from it,” Dr. Shunsuke Miyauchi, lead study author and assistant professor at the Health Service Center at Hiroshima University in Japan, said in a statement.

The implications of this study are significant for the estimated 6 million Americans living with AFib—a figure expected to double by 2030. AFib, an electrical problem of the heart, increases the risk of stroke by up to five times.

Current recognized risk factors for AFib include lifestyle and health issues such as:

• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Alcohol or caffeine intake

The study authors propose adding gum disease, or periodontitis, to this list.

The Heart–Mouth Connection

Inflamed gums may act as a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, possibly interfering with the heart’s electrical pathways. The American Heart Association states, “Certain bacteria that live in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the heart and lungs.”

The research revealed that participants with severe gum inflammation exhibited markedly higher blood levels of c-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines—both indicators of inflammation—than those with less gum disease.

“We are now working on further research to reveal the mechanism underlying the relationship between gum disease and AFib,” Dr. Miyauchi stated.

Earlier research by Dr. Miyauchi pinpointed a direct link between gum disease and scarring in the left upper chamber of the heart, potentially triggering AFib. The study revealed a clear pattern: The more severe the gum disease, the more significant the scarring in the heart, indicating that gum inflammation might directly affect heart health.

“Periodontitis is associated with a long-standing inflammation, and inflammation plays a key role in atrial fibrosis progression and atrial fibrillation pathogenesis,” Dr. Miyauchi stated.

Optimizing Health Before an Ablation

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson also said there is a significant connection between oral and heart health.

“Before an ablation, addressing dental health alongside other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, and sleep is essential,” he told The Epoch Times.

These strategies are pivotal for patients considering this surgical route to heart rhythm correction.

“Optimizing health and tackling inflammation pre-ablation not only boosts the chances of a successful procedure but also helps lessen the radiation’s side effects,” Dr. Wolfson said.

Gum disease is largely preventable and involves a combination of daily care routines, dietary choices, and lifestyle adjustments aimed at minimizing the risk factors associated with gum disease development.

7 Key Strategies for Preventing Gum Disease

1. Prioritize Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.

2. Regular Dental Checkups

Visit a holistic or biological dentist at least twice a year for examinations and professional cleanings to remove tartar, which can lead to gum disease.

3. Balanced Diet

Limit sugar intake and incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to help reduce inflammation throughout your body.

4. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Natural cleaners such as apples and celery can help clean teeth and freshen your breath.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help cleanse the mouth of food particles and maintain a neutral pH level in your mouth.

6. Manage Stress

Implement stress management techniques to lower the risk of inflammation-related conditions, including gum disease.

7. Avoid Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash may destroy the delicate balance of microbes in the mouth.