How a simple mouth rinse at your annual dentist check-up could tell if you’re at risk of heart disease

A simple mouthwash during an annual checkup with the dentist could help spot people at early risk of heart disease, a study suggests.

Scientists believe they could identify the early warning signs of the disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, from a saliva sample.

Canadian researchers recruited 28 people between the ages of 18 and 30 who rinsed their mouths with saline, a mixture of salt and water, which was then collected for analysis.

The participants also had their blood pressure checked and tests performed on their cardiovascular system.

The results, published in the journal Frontiers in Oral Health, revealed that a high white blood cell count in saliva was linked to poor flow-mediated dilation.

This refers to the widening of the arteries when blood flows through them, and when it deteriorates, it can be an early indicator of poor arterial health that could lead to heart disease.

The team said the presence of white blood cells indicates inflammation of the gums, which has already been linked to heart problems.

Inflammation in the mouth could enter the bloodstream through the gums, they added, which in turn affects the arteries.

Co-author Dr Michael Glogauer, from the University of Toronto, said: “The mouthwash could be used at your annual check-up with your family doctors or dentist.”

‘It is easy to implement as an oral inflammation measurement tool in any clinic.’

First author Ker-Yung Hong, from the University of Western Ontario, added: “We are starting to see more relationships between oral health and cardiovascular disease risk.”

“If we see that oral health can have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in healthy young people, this holistic approach can be implemented sooner.”

The team added: “Optimal oral hygiene is always recommended in addition to regular dental visits, especially in light of the evidence.”