Dr Leande Kotze

Dr Leande Kotze Medical facial aesthetics

Please remember to vote, tomorrow is the last day!Link in my bio!
30/03/2026

Please remember to vote, tomorrow is the last day!
Link in my bio!

13/10/2025

🦷 New Study Finds Oral Bacteria Inside Heart Arteries — Suggesting a Direct Link Between Dental Biofilm and Heart Attacks 🦠🫀

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (August 2025) has identified DNA from oral bacteria—specifically Viridans streptococci—within nearly half of examined coronary artery plaques. Researchers analyzed arterial samples from patients who had suffered heart attacks and discovered that these bacteria were organized as biofilms, not free-floating cells.

Biofilms are dense bacterial communities encased in a protective matrix. Once formed, they can evade immune defenses and persist for long periods. The study suggests that when these biofilms are disturbed, they may trigger localized inflammation and plaque rupture, both critical events that can lead to myocardial infarction.

This research strengthens the growing evidence that poor oral hygiene and untreated gum infections may have systemic consequences far beyond the mouth. While a direct cause-and-effect pathway is still being studied, the findings highlight how oral microorganisms can infiltrate the bloodstream and integrate into vascular tissues—potentially linking chronic dental biofilm with cardiovascular disease progression.

The study underscores an emerging scientific perspective: the mouth may serve as an entry point for bacteria involved in heart pathology, redefining how both dental and cardiovascular health should be understood in the context of whole-body disease prevention.

🔬Sources:
Karhunen PJ, Pessi T, Karhunen V, et al. Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Evades Immune Detection and Contributes to Inflammation and Rupture of Atherosclerotic Plaques. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2025

A look into the practice!
27/01/2025

A look into the practice!

New practice sneak peak!
27/05/2024

New practice sneak peak!

All you need to know about Crown Lengthening. Comment more questions if you need them answered.
17/04/2023

All you need to know about Crown Lengthening. Comment more questions if you need them answered.


The procedure used to treat a gummy smile or short teeth is called a Crown Lengthening. Decrease the pink, increase the...
13/04/2023

The procedure used to treat a gummy smile or short teeth is called a Crown Lengthening. Decrease the pink, increase the white.

It depends on how much you show. A gummy smile can be treated with surgery, botulinum toxin injections or a combination....
10/04/2023

It depends on how much you show. A gummy smile can be treated with surgery, botulinum toxin injections or a combination. Need to have your evaluated, book an appointment!

Showing too much gum? WATCH THIS SPACE! If you can't wait, give us a call.
06/04/2023

Showing too much gum? WATCH THIS SPACE! If you can't wait, give us a call.

FAQ's answered. Comment if you have more questions.
03/04/2023

FAQ's answered. Comment if you have more questions.

Easier to clean if it's thicker and fuller. If left untreated it may worsen, even if you have excellent oral hygiene.
30/03/2023

Easier to clean if it's thicker and fuller. If left untreated it may worsen, even if you have excellent oral hygiene.


There are multiple causes for gums to recede. This needs to be identified and rectified to prevent further progression.
27/03/2023

There are multiple causes for gums to recede. This needs to be identified and rectified to prevent further progression.

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508 Atterbury Road, Menlo Park
Pretoria
0181

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