Bacteria in mouth could lead to life-threatening brain abscesses

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry, poor oral hygiene may cause a deadly brain condition. Researchers have discovered a connection between oral bacteria and the emergence of brain abscesses.

Although oral abscesses caused by bacteria in the mouth are rare, they can be fatal if untreated.

“While many potential causes of brain abscesses are recognized, the origin of infection often remains clinically unidentified. However, it was still surprising to frequently find orally occurring bacteria in brain abscesses of unexplained origin,” said lead study author Holly Roy, a National Institute for Health and Care Research clinical lecturer in Neurosurgery at the University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, in a university release.

“It highlights the importance of using more sensitive techniques to assess the oral cavity as a potential bacterial source in brain abscess patients. It also highlights the importance of improving dental care and oral hygiene more generally.”

The medical records of 87 patients who were hospitalised with brain abscesses served as the source of the research team's data. Additionally, they had peripheral cultures and abscess sampling. 

Researchers had the chance to examine the patients' brain abscesses for oral bacteria due to microbiological data. Some of these people had never been given an explanation for their condition.

In general, doctors gave no explanation for the 52 individuals' brain abscesses. The latest research reveals that these people had a threefold increased risk of carrying oral infection-causing germs. 

Furthermore, Streptococcus anginosus numbers were substantially higher in this group. The bacteria is typical in dental abscesses and is linked to pharyngitis, bacteremia, and infections of the brain and lungs in addition to tooth abscesses.

Since there is no obvious cause, the study's authors speculate that the mouth cavity might be a possible site of infection for brain abscesses. The Oral Microbiota Research Group, which is examining the relationship between the oral microbiome and various heart and neurological diseases, has conducted numerous studies, including the latest one.

Future research projects include clinical trials looking at the connection between Alzheimer's disease and gum health. Additionally, a clinical investigation is being conducted in primary care dentistry clinics to examine individuals who are at high risk for cardiac issues. 

According to their theory, gum disease frequently results in an altered balance of oral bacteria that contributes to the high cardiovascular risk. An imbalance in the microbiota may then cause high blood pressure and even stroke.