A new study has found that poor oral hygiene could increase the risk of brain abscesses. Abscesses from bacteria due to oral hygiene are relatively rare. However, they can be very serious if untreated.
According to Holly Roy, a lead study author and a Neurosurgery lecturer at the University of Plymouth, there are many causes of brain abscesses. However, it is difficult to determine the cause of a brain abscess in a particular patient. Despite this, Roy says there are cases where oral bacteria is in a brain abscess of unknown origin.
Because of this, the study author believes it is important to find techniques that evaluate the oral cavity as a potential source of infection in brain abscesses. Furthermore, these findings could push people toward better dental hygiene.
How researchers conducted the study
The researchers evaluated the files of 87 people who had been in the hospital for a brain abscess. The patients had gone through peripheral cultures and abscess sampling. This data enabled the research team to check for oral bacteria on the spot.
About 50 of these patients did not have an explanation for the source of their illness. However, the findings indicated that these people were three times more likely to have an infection from bacteria of oral origin. The group also had high counts of Streptococcus anginosus. This bacteria is often in dental abscesses. Furthermore, It is a common cause of bacteremia, laryngitis, and liver, lung, and brain infections.
The researchers are looking into links between oral bacteria and heart disease
From their study, the team concluded that in cases where doctors cannot find a source of a brain abscess, it is likely to be an oral origin. This study is the work of the Oral Microbiome Research Group, which evaluates the link between various neurological and heart conditions and oral microbiomes.
The group has done a trial examining the association between Alzheimer’s disease and gum health. They are now conducting a study investigating a group of people at risk for heart diseases in dental clicks. The team theorizes that the increased cardiovascular risk is due to alterations in oral bacteria that comes with gum disease. They believe that the imbalance could cause strokes and high blood pressure.
