We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Simple Mouth Rinse Test Provides Early Cardiovascular Disease Warning Signs

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Aug 2023

Periodontitis, a widespread oral health issue involving infected gums, has been linked to cardiovascular disease. More...

In a new study, scientists explored the inflammation leading to periodontitis and examined whether the levels of white blood cells (a sign of gum inflammation) in the saliva of healthy adults could signal potential cardiovascular issues. Specifically, they looked at whether high levels of these cells correlated with compromised flow-mediated dilation, an early sign of arterial problems.

Scientists at Mount Royal University (Calgary, AB, Canada) set out to investigate the link among young adults without any known periodontal problems to see if even minor levels of oral inflammation might have clinical significance for heart health. They selected two measures, pulse-wave velocity (to gauge artery stiffness) and flow-mediated dilation (to assess how well arteries expand to allow increased blood flow), as key indicators of cardiovascular risk. Both of these measurements directly relate to arterial health, and issues with either can increase the risk of heart disease.

The study involved 28 non-smoking participants aged 18 to 30, with no underlying health conditions, medications that might affect cardiovascular risk, or history of periodontal disease. Before visiting the laboratory, they were instructed to fast for six hours, although water intake was allowed. Upon arrival, they rinsed their mouths with water, followed by saline, which was then collected for analysis. Participants subsequently underwent an electrocardiogram while lying down, and remained in that position for additional tests, including blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, and pulse-wave velocity measurements.

The findings revealed that high levels of white blood cells in the saliva were significantly linked to poor flow-mediated dilation, indicating a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in these individuals. Interestingly, there was no connection between white blood cells and pulse-wave velocity, suggesting that the long-term effects on artery health were not yet evident. Scientists have proposed that the inflammation from the mouth, possibly seeping into the vascular system, could affect the arteries' ability to produce nitric oxide, which aids in responding to changes in blood flow. Elevated levels of white blood cells might further exacerbate this vascular dysfunction, although the levels detected in the study participants are generally not seen as clinically significant, indicating that even minor inflammation could have broader health implications.

“We are starting to see more relationships between oral health and risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Ker-Yung Hong, first author of the study. “If we are seeing that oral health may have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in young healthy individuals, this holistic approach can be implemented earlier on.”

“The mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctors or the dentist,” said Dr. Michael Glogauer, a co-author of the study. “It is easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic.”

Related Links:
Mount Royal University 


Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
New
Silver Member
PCR Plates
Diamond Shell PCR Plates
New
Gram-Negative Blood Culture Assay
LIAISON PLEX Gram-Negative Blood Culture Assay
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Colorectal cancer under the microscope (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Unique Microbial Fingerprint to Improve Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second deadliest. New research has revealed that it carries a unique microbial fingerprint, which could help doctors better understand... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: New research points to protecting blood during radiation therapy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Pioneering Model Measures Radiation Exposure in Blood for Precise Cancer Treatments

Scientists have long focused on protecting organs near tumors during radiotherapy, but blood — a vital, circulating tissue — has largely been excluded from dose calculations. Each blood cell passing through... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The VENTANA HER2 (4B5) test is now CE-IVDR approved (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Companion Diagnostic Test Identifies HER2-Ultralow Breast Cancer and Biliary Tract Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Europe, with more than 564,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Metastatic breast cancer is rising in younger populations and remains the leading cause... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Conceptual design of the CORAL capsule for microbial sampling in the small intestine (H. Mohammed et al., Device (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2025.100904)

Coral-Inspired Capsule Samples Hidden Bacteria from Small Intestine

The gut microbiome has been linked to conditions ranging from immune disorders to mental health, yet conventional stool tests often fail to capture bacterial populations in the small intestine.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.