World Heart Day, launched by the World Heart Federation (WHF), is celebrated each year on the 29th of September. The global event aims to raise awareness and encourage action for heart health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the Western world. The most common cardiovascular diseases are coronary heart disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disorders. More than 20.5 million people die from these diseases each year. Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, leading to severe and possibly even fatal complications. However, the WHF estimates that 80% of premature deaths from the disease are preventable (1).

– By making small changes to our lifestyles, we can better manage our heart health and beat cardiovascular disease, the WHF encourages.

Such changes include actions that help improve oral health. Good oral hygiene is more than just a beautiful smile. It is essential to look after your teeth and mouth because even seemingly harmless oral conditions can put you at risk of serious diseases.

Oral pathogens are not limited to the mouth

Tommi Pätilä, a cardiac and transplant surgeon at the New Children’s Hospital (HUS), stresses that a healthy heart requires a healthy mouth and thorough daily oral hygiene. Oral biofilm bacteria are the cause of 95 percent of dental diseases.

– Simple measures such as regular brushing and cleaning of the interdental spaces and regular dental check-ups can help prevent the onset of gum disease and, at the same time, minimise the risk of bacteria or their structures in the mouth entering the bloodstream and spreading to the rest of the body, says Pätilä.

Even chewing food can spread bacteria or parts of bacteria that cause oral infections to the rest of the body through infected gums. This results in a persistent inflammatory condition within the body, which may subsequently give rise to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, Pätilä notes. 

– On the other hand, sudden problems occur when live bacteria infect the heart valves, Pätilä continues.

In 2016, Pätilä operated on a severe bacterial heart valve infection and was motivated to make a difference in oral health. 

– It turned out that the cause of the patient’s severe heart infection was bacteria from the mouth. At that point, I knew something had to be done to combat the residual plaque that causes disease and plagues in peoples’ mouths despite brushing and flossing.

Pätilä is one of three Finnish researchers who have developed the antibacterial Lumoral method. Lumoral is a patented medical device that treats and prevents oral diseases at home. The Lumoral treatment can remove 99.99% of plaque bacteria from the tooth surface (2).

Prevention and early diagnosis pays off

– In contrast to commonly held beliefs, a toothbrush is only capable of eliminating approximately 60% of oral biofilm. It's no surprise then that cavities and gingivitis stand as the most prevalent diseases worldwide. If we want to improve oral health outcomes, we need to tackle the plaque left behind by tooth brushing, says Timo Sorsa, Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases at the University of Helsinki.

In Finland, it is estimated that up to two out of three people over 30 suffer from periodontitis. This common gum disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated – but it is also linked to severe heart events. According to a study, individuals with periodontal disease are 30% more likely to experience a first heart attack compared to their healthy counterparts of the same age (3).

According to another study published in the Journal of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease were almost twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) than those with healthy gums (4). 

Meanwhile, a 2020 European Journal of Preventive Cardiology report found that poor oral health was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those with gum disease (5).

Professor Sorsa stresses that periodontal disease prevention is vital to maintaining a patient’s oral and overall health.

– Untreated periodontitis leads to low-grade inflammation that affects the whole body, contributing to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and potentially even cancer.

Periodontitis revealed in minutes

According to Professor Sorsa, in the long term, the prevention and rapid diagnosis of periodontal disease benefit the patient, public health, and the economy. This is also possible with the new modern diagnostic and treatment methods available that are revolutionising the whole field of dentistry.

Professor Sorsa’s extensive research career has long focused on developing an immunological rapid test for active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8). The quick test can detect whether a person’s gum tissue is undergoing periodontal breakdown before it is visually apparent. 

The test can be performed by a healthcare professional or the consumer independently at home – similar to the COVID-19 antigen test or the traditional rapid pregnancy test (6).

–The aMMP-8 rapid test can measure and assess active periodontal adhesive tissue loss and the risk of its progression within five minutes in the dental chair non-invasively, i.e. without disturbing the tissue under examination. The test complements the diagnosis, follow-up, and maintenance treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, says Professor Sorsa.

When discussing new treatment methods and prevention of periodontitis, he highlights Lumoral therapy. He calls Lumoral a drug-free alternative for treating and preventing severe gum disease. 

– Lumoral enhances the effect of the toothbrush, and studies show that it also significantly improves the results of professional oral care. At the same time, the device can potentially reduce the need to use drugs traditionally used to treat gum disease, such as antibiotics and chlorhexidine.

Based on photodynamic therapy, a light-activated antibacterial effect, Lumoral slows down plaque formation and significantly reduces the burden of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The product’s user profile is suitable for all ages, but it is particularly recommended for those with a history of problems with common oral diseases, tooth decay, and gum disease (2).

References:

1. https://world-heart-federation.org/news/deaths-from-cardiovascular-disease-surged-60-globally-over-the-last-30-years-report/
2. Pakarinen, S., Saarela, R. K. T., Välimaa, H., Heikkinen, A. M., Kankuri, E., Noponen, M., Alapulli, H., Tervahartiala, T., Räisänen, I. T., Sorsa, T., & Pätilä, T. (2022). Home-Applied Dual-Light Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Stable Chronic Periodontitis (HOPE-CP) Three-Month Interim Results. Dentistry Journal, 10(11), [206]. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10110206
3. Rydén L, Buhlin K, Ekstrand E, de Faire U, Gustafsson A, Holmer J, Kjellström B, Lindahl B, Norhammar A, Nygren Å, Näsman P, Rathnayake N, Svenungsson E, Klinge B: Periodontitis Increases the Risk of a First Myocardial Infarction. A Report From the PAROKRANK Study. 13.1.2016 Circulation. 2016;133:576–583 https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.020324
4. Nesarhoseini V, Khosravi M. Periodontitis as a risk factor in non-diabetic patients with coronary artery disease. ARYA Atheroscler. 2010 Fall;6(3):106-11. PMID: 22577425; PMCID: PMC3347825.
5. Pirkko J Pussinen, Eija Könönen, Oral health: A modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases or a confounded association?, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Volume 23, Issue 8, 1 May 2016, Pages 834–838, https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487316636506
6. Sorsa, T., Lähteenmäki, H., Pärnänen, P., Tervahartiala, T., Mäkitie, A. Pätilä, T. &   Räisänen, I. T., (2022). Aktiivisen MMP-8:n vieritestaus ja pikadiagnostiikka, Suomen Hammaslääkärilehti 2022; 14: 26–33. 

Oral health is influenced by many factors, with the balance of microbes in the mouth being central. This delicate coexistence of bacteria and microorganisms is vital for the health of teeth and gums. When the microbial balance is healthy, your mouth is better protected from diseases. However, when this balance is disturbed, unpleasant consequences such as plaque, gingivitis, and even tooth decay can arise.

What is oral microbial balance?

Oral microbial balance refers to the state where the microbes in the mouth, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, live in harmony with each other and with the body's functions. When this balance is maintained, the tissues of the mouth—gums, teeth, and mucous membranes—remain healthy.

The oral cavity contains thousands of different species of bacteria, most of which are beneficial or harmless. One example of a beneficial bacterium is Streptococcus salivarius, which is common in the mouth and particularly on the tongue surface. It is part of the normal oral microbiome and helps maintain oral health by stimulating the immune system and preventing infections. This bacterium produces natural antimicrobial compounds like lantibiotics, which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Problems arise when the microbial balance is disturbed, and harmful bacteria begin to grow uncontrollably, overshadowing beneficial species. Streptococcus mutans, one of the main microbes responsible for tooth decay, produces acid during the fermentation of sugar, which weakens tooth enamel. Another harmful bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is associated with gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). This bacterium thrives in an imbalanced mouth and can worsen inflammatory processes.

What disrupts microbial balance?

Maintaining oral microbial balance requires good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits. Regular use of antibacterial Lumoral treatment can also help keep the balance intact, supporting overall oral health.

Several everyday factors can disrupt the microbial balance in the mouth:

• Poor oral hygiene: Irregular or insufficient brushing and flossing lead to plaque buildup, creating a favorable environment for harmful bacteria to grow.
• Diet: A diet high in sugar or acidic foods promotes bacterial growth. These bacteria produce acids that wear down tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
• Dry mouth: A lack of saliva, which can be caused by certain medications, dries out the mouth and hinders its natural cleaning process, giving harmful bacteria more time to multiply.
• Stress and lifestyle habits: Long-term stress and unhealthy habits, such as smoking, can weaken the immune system and make the oral bacterial balance more susceptible to disruption.

How can Lumoral help maintain microbial balance?

Lumoral is an innovative Finnish invention that helps maintain oral microbial balance. It combines antibacterial light with a photosensitive Lumorinse mouthwash, which together kill harmful bacteria in the mouth without affecting the beneficial ones.

Lumoral’s light-activated antibacterial treatment reduces harmful plaque and bacteria, helping prevent the onset of gingivitis and cavities. When used regularly, the Lumoral method can prevent microbial imbalances and support the mouth's natural defense mechanisms.

Lumoral: Long-term benefits

Using Lumoral supports overall oral health. When the microbial balance remains healthy, the risk of plaque and cavities decreases, gum inflammation subsides, and your mouth stays fresher. Lumoral treatment is especially beneficial for those with fixed braces or other challenges to maintaining oral hygiene.

Oral microbial balance is a key part of overall health, and its disturbance can lead to various oral health problems. By maintaining good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and using the innovative Lumoral method, you can effectively protect your mouth from bacterial damage and keep your oral microbial balance optimal.

The Finnish oral health innovation, Lumoral, will be presented at the upcoming Scandinavian Society of Periodontology (ScSP) Conference in Visby, Sweden, from August 22-25, 2024. This conference will focus on the latest developments in periodontal disease and treatments, with an emphasis on collaborative approaches in patient care.

At the event, key topics related to periodontology will be addressed, offering new insights for dental professionals, including specialists, general dentists, and dental hygienists. Koite Health Ltd, the Finnish health tech company behind Lumoral, will showcase how the antibacterial device is transforming preventive dental care across Europe and Asia.

About Lumoral

Lumoral is an oral health device utilizing dual light therapy, intended for use alongside regular tooth brushing. It is especially beneficial for individuals with periodontitis or those at risk for cavities, providing a scientifically proven antibacterial effect. Lumoral is a Class II medical device and CE-certified.

Conference Highlights

The ScSP Conference will feature a keynote from Professor Moritz Kebschull on advancements in periodontal classification and treatment guidelines. Professor Kajsa Henning Abrahamsson will present strategies for enhancing patient motivation, a critical component of effective periodontal care. The event will also spotlight young researchers, exploring topics like the connection between periodontal health and cognitive decline in dementia patients.

The second day will focus on regional trends in periodontal disease. Presentations by Associate Professors Shariel Sayardoust and Christian Damgaard will offer insights into the latest data from Sweden and Denmark, respectively. Additionally, Professor Charlota Pisinger will discuss the impact of new nicotine products on oral health and provide guidance for healthcare professionals in helping patients quit.

Lumoral’s Growing Research Base

Lumoral’s antibacterial technology has garnered academic interest, with 11 ongoing clinical studies across Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Lithuania. These studies cover various topics, including periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and orthodontic care.

"We are honored to participate in the Scandinavian Society of Periodontology Conference, reinforcing our commitment to advancing periodontal care. We look forward to engaging with experts and sharing insights on how Lumoral can complement dental professionals’ efforts," said Mrs. Helen Huttunen, responsible for Lumoral sales in Sweden.

The Scandinavian Society of Periodontology

With over 150 members, the ScSP promotes the development of periodontology across the Nordic countries. It supports ongoing education and fosters collaboration among Scandinavian periodontists while maintaining traditional values.