While we often view oral hygiene as a routine solely for preventing cavities and fresh breath, emerging research suggests the mouth is a critical gatekeeper for cardiovascular health. The dorsal surface of the tongue is home to specific communities of bacteria that perform a vital biological function: the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway. These beneficial microbes convert dietary nitrates found in leafy greens (like spinach and beets) into nitrite. When swallowed, this nitrite is further converted into Nitric Oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and regulates blood pressure. This symbiotic relationship highlights that the oral microbiome is not a collection of germs to be eradicated, but a chemical factory essential for heart health [1].
This delicate balance is frequently disrupted by the overuse of potent antiseptic mouthwashes. In an effort to achieve a “sterile” feeling, many people utilize broad-spectrum antimicrobial rinses (such as those containing chlorhexidine) which indiscriminately eliminate oral bacteria. Clinical studies have demonstrated that using these antiseptics can obliterate the nitrate-reducing bacteria on the tongue, leading to a significant decrease in systemic nitrite levels and a subsequent acute rise in systolic blood pressure. By treating the mouth like an operating room requiring sterilization, we inadvertently sever a crucial physiological pathway that protects against hypertension [2].
Conversely, mechanical hygiene—specifically flossing and brushing—remains non-negotiable for reducing systemic risk. Unlike the beneficial bacteria on the tongue, the pathogens associated with gum disease (periodontitis) trigger a chronic inflammatory response. When gums bleed, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, elevating markers of systemic inflammation such as C-reactive protein, which is linked to the hardening of arteries and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the optimal approach to oral health is strictly ecological: cultivate the beneficial flora on the tongue by avoiding harsh chemicals, while mechanically removing the inflammatory plaque from between the teeth to protect the rest of the body [3].
References
- Bryan, N. S., Tribble, G., & Angelov, N. (2017). Oral Microbiome and Nitric Oxide: the Missing Link in the Management of Blood Pressure. Current Hypertension Reports, 19(4), 33.
- Kapil, V., Haydar, S. M., Pearl, V., Lundberg, J. O., Weitzberg, E., & Ahluwalia, A. (2013). Physiological role for nitrate-reducing oral bacteria in blood pressure control. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 55, 93–100.
- Sanz, M., Marco del Castillo, A., Jepsen, S., Gonzalez-Juanatey, J. R., D’Aiuto, F., Bouchard, P., … & Wimmer, G. (2020). Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 47(3), 268-288.
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