The Oral Microbiota in Valvular Heart Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Abstract

Oral microbiota formation begins from birth, and everything from genetic components to the environment, alongside the host’s behavior (such as diet, smoking, oral hygiene, and even physical activity), contributes to oral microbiota structure. Even though recent studies have focused on the gut microbiota’s role in systemic diseases, the oral microbiome represents the second largest community of microorganisms, making it a new promising therapeutic target. Periodontitis and dental caries are considered the two main consequences of oral bacterial imbalance. Studies have shown that oral dysbiosis effects are not limited locally. Due to technological advancement, research identified oral bacterial species in heart valves. This evidence links oral dysbiosis with the development of valvular heart disease (VHD). This review focuses on describing the mechanism behind prolonged local inflammation and dysbiosis, that can induce bacteriemia by direct or immune-mediated mechanisms and finally VHD. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapies based on controlling oral dysbiosis, periodontal disease, and inflammation with immunological and systemic effects, that exert beneficial effects in VHD management.

Research progress on the correlation between porphyromonas gingivalis and human diseases

“…Evidence that oral bacteria have been found in heart valves links oral microbes to the development of valvular heart disease (VHD). The altered heart after surgery (implantation of artificial heart valves or pacemakers), trauma and changes in tissue structure lead to easy attachment of bacteria to the heart valves or the inner wall of the heart [26] . Modulation of the oral microbiota plays a beneficial role in CVD management.…”