A new study published in the Journal of Dental Research has found that common oral infections, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay, are associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. These conditions, which include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, are often linked to inflammation, and the study’s findings suggest that oral infections may contribute to this inflammation.
The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, looked at data from over 6,000 participants in two separate studies. They found that people with more severe oral infections had higher levels of certain metabolites in their blood that are associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
The researchers also found that oral infections predicted changes in metabolic profiles over time. In other words, people with poor oral health were more likely to experience changes in their blood levels of metabolites that could increase their risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases in the future.
The study’s findings suggest that maintaining good oral health is important for overall health and well-being. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help to prevent and treat oral infections, which may, in turn, reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases.