Research into Cardiovascular Disease has recently taken place, with the aim of being able to identify its early warning signs. To achieve this, researchers have found the use of a simple saliva sample can be helpful. The sample can provide health professionals with a range of information, including highlighting areas which are associated with cardiovascular disease. This approach could be easily implemented into regular dental check-ups.
Cardiovascular Disease is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It has the potential to be life-threatening. Therefore, looking out for the warning signs of cardiovascular disease is important.
Now, a research team has created a way of identifying the early warning signs of the condition – through a simple saliva sample [1].
This creation is exciting and has the potential to be an excellent tool for medical professionals to use when diagnosing cardiovascular disease.
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease relates to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels [2]. It can also be referred to as Heart Disease.
Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations [2]. It can be a life-threatening condition. Moreover, the condition can damage a range of organs, including the brain and the kidneys [2].
Often, lifestyle factors play a part in the development of cardiovascular disease. Smoking, being overweight and inactivity are all risk factors [2]. Furthermore, genetics and a high blood pressure can also play a role.
The Research
The research team featured scientists from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Their findings were published in the Frontiers in Oral Health journal [1].
A key part of the work of the scientists involved the knowledge that there is a connection between cardiovascular disease and gum disease [1]. This fact formed a key element of their research.
The research team looked to find out if low levels of oral inflammation is clinically related to cardiovascular health [1]. To do this, they set up a study.
There were 28 participants in the study, aged between 18 and 30. The participants were all adults that did not smoke, did not take any medication that could impact cardiovascular health, and they did not have any history of periodontal disease [1].
The 28 participants were asked to fast for six hours prior to attending the laboratory. Once they got to the laboratory, the participants rinsed their mouths with water. Then, they rinsed their mouths with saline, which was collected by the researchers for analysis [1].
Following this, the participants laid down for 10 minutes for an electrocardiogram – which provided the researchers with further information on their overall health.
The scientists gathered the results and found that a high white blood cell count in saliva was linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease [1]. The authors explained that a large number of white blood cells is an indicator of gum inflammation.
Therefore, in response to their question into levels of oral inflammation, it was found that oral inflammation is clinically related to cardiovascular health [1].
Author Comments
These findings are very interesting. Taking a saliva sample is very simple, and can clearly have numerous benefits, including being able to spot the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers were very pleased with the findings. One of the most beneficial aspects of this is the simplicity of the rinse and how it could be easily implemented at a dental check-up.
Moreover, Michael Glogauer of the University of Toronto said that “the mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctors or the dentist” [3]. Glogauer confirmed that it would be “easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic” [3].
However, the authors did caution that this was a small study [1]. Therefore, only limited conclusions can be made. The next step would involve a study with a larger number of participants. They will also aim to extend the trial to those with existing gum disease.
But overall, these findings are positive. If this saliva sample approach does get implemented, it would be a simple and low-cost way of screening for cardiovascular disease.
Thinking points…
[1] This research underlines the strong link between physical and oral health. With this in mind, it is important take excellent care of your oral health, as it can impact your physical health. One of the best ways of ensuring your oral health is strong is to attend regular dental check-ups. This will allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health and identify treatment options if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!
[2] The authors of the study suggested that this oral rinse could be used in check-ups at the family doctors, as well as the dentist. As oral health can be impacted by your physical health, it is also advisable to see a family doctor regularly. Moreover, if they reveal to you that you have physical health problems, be sure to tell your dentist, as this knowledge can help inform dental treatment.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.
We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Hong, K-Y., Ghafari, A., Mei, Y., Williams, J. S., Attia, D., Forsyth, J., Wang, K., Wyeld, T., Sun, C., Glogauer, M., & King, T. J. (2023). Oral inflammatory load predicts vascular function in a young adult population: a pilot study. Frontiers in Oral Health. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2023.1233881.
[2] NHS. (2022). Cardiovascular disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/. Last accessed: 26th August 2023.
[3] Frontiers. (2023). A simple mouth rinse could spot early heart disease risk. Available: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/998709 Last accessed: 26th August 2023.
