Inflammation and infections in the oral cavity are common and usually resolve without complications. Under certain conditions, these pathogens or the inflammatory responses they trigger can affect other organ systems. Good oral hygiene and dental care help to prevent this.
Gum and tooth root inflammation or inflammation in the oral cavity are common. Almost everyone can remember suffering from it at least once. They often heal on their own or after dental treatment. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to inflammation in the mouth, because if bacteria or inflammatory mediators—for example, from inflamed gum pockets—enter the bloodstream, they can contribute to the development or worsening of certain diseases.
How Oral Bacteria Enter the Body
As soon as an inflammation occurs in the mouth, the immune system reacts and defense mechanisms are activated. This increases the blood supply to the affected areas so that more immune cells reach the inflamed area to render the pathogens harmless. At the same time, bacteria, bacterial components, and inflammatory mediators can temporarily enter the bloodstream through the inflamed tissue and spread throughout the body.
People without relevant pre-existing conditions generally cope with this variation without any problems. However, in people with certain heart conditions—particularly those with pre-existing heart valve damage or artificial heart valves—these pathogens can cause serious illnesses. “Studies indicate that endocarditis (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves) and other cardiovascular diseases could be triggered by specific oral bacteria spread in this way. The reduction in vascular function caused by these bacteria has been proven,” says Isabella Sudano, Head Physician at the Clinic for Cardiology and specialist in cardiovascular risk factors.
