It is widely known that too much harmful bacteria in the mouth can lead to dangerous consequences, ranging from toothaches and cavities to advanced gum disease. However, the threat of bacterial invasion does not stay in the mouth. Harmful microorganisms can enter the bloodstream and start to affect other parts of the body. There is even research to suggest that oral bacteria could contribute to the formation of brain abscesses! This blog post delves into that concerning connection.
What Does the Research Show?
In 2022, the Journal of Dentistry published a study that contained data from 87 patients with brain abscesses. For 52 of the patients, their condition had no clear cause. However, they were three times as likely to have oral bacteria in samples taken from their abscesses as the other 35 patients in the study!
The research also revealed that the patients had more of a specific type of bacteria, called Streptococcus aginosus. In the past, this species has been linked to infections in various parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, and brain.
More research should be conducted before the mechanism behind the connection between oral bacteria and brain abscesses is understood. What is clear, though, is that there is a strong association between them.
What Does It Mean for You?
Since oral bacteria could negatively affect your brain health, it is important to be mindful of the state of your smile! By caring for your teeth and gums, you are more likely to enjoy, not just oral health, but also better overall health.
What can you do to protect yourself from harmful oral bacteria? Here are some simple steps that can help:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Make smart food choices; harmful bacteria thrive when they can feed on sugars and starches!
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.
- Seek care right away if you develop a dental infection. Signs of an infection include a severe toothache, a bump on your gums, or red and swollen gums. You might need root canal therapy or gum disease treatment to get your oral health back to an acceptable baseline.
Your mouth is truly the gateway to the rest of your body! Maintaining your oral health might just protect you from life-threatening conditions such as brain abscesses.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Racha Kadamani is a highly skilled dentist with more than 18 years of experience. She is a member of numerous prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. She offers a wide range of treatments, including root canal therapy, gum disease therapy, and more. If you believe you could benefit from her services, contact our San Antonio office at 210-782-6842.
