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

A simple mouth rinse during an annual dentist check-up could help spot people at early risk of heart disease, a study suggests.

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

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

Participants also had their blood pressure checked and underwent tests on their cardiovascular system.

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

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

This refers to the widening of arteries when blood flows through them and, when impaired, can be an early indicator of poor arterial health which 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 from the mouth could enter the bloodstream through the gums, they added, which in turn impacts the arteries.

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

‘It is easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring 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 risk of cardiovascular disease.

‘If we are seeing that oral health may have an impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even in young healthy individuals, this holistic approach can be implemented earlier on.’

The team added: ‘Optimal oral hygiene is always recommended in addition to regular visits to the dentist, especially in light of the evidence.’