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Interesting article. There's a ton of evidence showing that oral health has a direct effect on cardiovascular disease, but I've never seen evidence before that it can also be related to atrial fibrosis and arrhythmias. No surprise, really. I have a friend who nearly died of endocarditis caused by an abscessed tooth she didn't even know she had. In addition to traveling via blood, the lymphatic system drains from the oral cavity straight into lymph nodes in the chest, so bacteria in the mouth can easily reach the heart via at least two routes.

And that's one more reason why separating dental insurance and medical insurance makes no sense.

Thanks for posting Dean!

I've often wondered about this oral health / heart relationship. I had 2 very old, 30 year +, root canals need re-treatment by an Endodontist ($$$) and that was about the same time they were trying out Metoprolol and Flecainide & my being newly diagnosed with AF. I'm positive the infection from the old root canals didn't help my heart rate during this time, hundreds of low below 40 heart rate notifications, and thus I no longer take either medication.

While thinking about this again, especially last week when I had an AF event . . . I began to think about the old ancient method of Oil Pulling again and wondered IF it might help with bacteria/infections especially when done with Coconut Oil and I should perhaps re-start an oil-pulling routine since Spring Allergies are here. I did do it several years ago and it does help with gums and overall oral health, I think. My issues have always been the upper teeth with horrible allergies my entire life with many sinus infections as a result and those roots being so far up and near the sinus cavities.

The link between myocarditis/pericarditis and periodontal disease/infections is something I read about at least 20 years ago now, maybe a bit more. The human body is a happy contract between multiple specialized and cooperating organs and tissues that are interrelated....somehow. It stands to reason that, when one part of us is under duress, others are sure to feel it to an extent.

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Qwackertoo
My issues have always been the upper teeth with horrible allergies my entire life with many sinus infections as a result and those roots being so far up and near the sinus cavities.

One of my upper molars has been troubling me for decades. It all started with a sinus infection. A root canal lasted 15 years, and then I finally had an implant done a few years ago. Now I brush after each meal, floss and use a water pick at the end of the day, and rinse with saltwater when there is discomfort in the gums. Keeping my sinuses free from infection is definitely the key.

...and to add to Yuxi's point, and as the w/bearer of a significantly deviated nasal septum, I was warned 40 years ago by a Base Surgeon that I would have more and more sinus troubles the older I got. He offered a repair (rebreak it, straighten it, stuff nose with wads of sterile cotton, wait three weeks or more, then yank out the wads which would have been part of my anatomy by then...nope!). Happily, he was mistaken in my case, but I didn't doubt him then, and would advise people with chronic sinus problems and a widely deviated septum to consider getting it done.

Now i'd like to know if swishing Xylitol in my mouth after cleaning teeth eliminates P.gingivalis? Certainly seems to keep tooth decay at bay but then i'm just N1

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Joe
Now i'd like to know if swishing Xylitol in my mouth after cleaning teeth eliminates P.gingivalis? Certainly seems to keep tooth decay at bay but then i'm just N1

My implant dentist (who is a periodontist) has me add a drop organic oil of oregano to coconut oil for oil pulling.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/13/2025 11:47AM by GeorgeN.

'...oil pulling.' George?

Is it preventing caries George?

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gloaming
'...oil pulling.' George?

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I've used organic coconut oil for years 2x/day and recently (18 months) add a drop of oregano oil as well as mentioned.

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Joe
Is it preventing caries George?

I've not had any in years (with or without oil pulling). My reason for doing it is gum health. I used to have quite a few gum pockets > 3 mm. My teeth cleanings were 4x/year taking 90 minutes 12 years ago. Today, I have no teeth with pockets > 3 mm, cleaning takes < 30 minutes, 2x/year. In addition to oil pulling, brush 2x/day with a clay based dentifrice using an ultrasonic toothbrush, I floss & use Stim-U-Dent wooden gum stimulators.

Thanks, George. The concept is not new to me, just the appellation. My dad has bad teeth and sinuses....all his life since adolescence. He has retained each by occasionally resorting to home remedies. He snorts (just as you'd picture) salty water into his nostrils several times each month where the Bernoulli effect blasts some of the salty water into his sinuses, which rids them of bacteria. For his teeth, (and believe me he is fastidious about oral hygiene...faultless) he makes a concoction of garlic juice and swirls it around his mouth when he feels he is developing an abscess or periodontal iffiness. He heats the garlic in hot water, not boiling, removes it and crushes it with the flat side of a butcher knife, and then re-immerses it in the hot water to let it steep. The 'tea' that results is potent and does a good job. He just turned 95 and has all his teeth....the original set.

Amazing George and Gloaming - thank you!