Atrial Fibrillation and Dental Infections

The Healing Collective • November 2, 2022

Article provided by Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP complements of Functional Medicine University.

This article provides evidence revealing dental infections such as periodontitis, gingivitis and endodontic lesions may be linked to cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmia occurring in clinical practice.

Oral bacteria and/or their DNA have been detected in human atherosclerotic lesions, the pericardial fluid, heart valves, and thrombi in many studies.

A recent meta-analysis of 63 studies that included 1791 patients confirmed the presence of 23 oral bacterial species in atherosclerotic plaques. Some of the oral bacteria present included Campylobacter rectus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens.

Patients affected by oral infections are exposed to many toxins, metabolic products, and proteins of bacterial origin, which may influence the myocardium of the heart.

Inflammation, as well as atrial electrical and structural remodeling, is suggested to play a role in the initiation and perpetuation of AF. It is recommended to consider dental infections in these patients

A good dental work-up is wise medicine in patients with atrial fibrillation.

REFERENCES

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164509/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5087888/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijcp.13875

The information on this site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

We offer whole-person functional and integrative care at The Healing Collective. Contact us to schedule a free consult or to become a new patient at our clinic in Niwot, CO. Learn more about our functional medicine providers here.

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