Systemic endotoxins and mastication

Q: Mastication ____________ the release of bacterial endotoxins of oral origin into the bloodstream. (select one)

A) decreases

B) increases

Answer: B

Oral health is highly associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk, with a hazard ratio of 2.12 in men less than 60 years of age, even after adjustment for known cardiovascular disease risk factors. Chronic periodontitis with radiographic bone loss is a significant risk factor.

The probable mechanism is chronic systemic inflammation. Interestingly, mastication has shown intermittent bacteremia and release of bacterial endotoxins of oral origin into the bloodstream, particularly in patients with poor oral health.

#dental

#cardiology

References: 

1. Chen F, Song Y, Li W, et al. Association between periodontitis and mortality of patients with cardiovascular diseases: A cohort study based on NHANES. J Periodontol 2024; 95:175.

2. Petrenya N, Hopstock LA, Holde GE, et al. Relationship between periodontitis and risk of cardiovascular disease: Insights from the Tromsø Study. J Periodontol 2022; 93:1353.

3. Geerts SO, Nys M, De MP, et al. Systemic release of endotoxins induced by gentle mastication: association with periodontitis severity. J Periodontol 2002; 73:73.