Bacteria that help convert nitrate to nitrite are linked to healthier gums with less bleeding.

Scientific Claim

Nitrate-reducing bacteria in subgingival plaque and tongue samples correlate negatively with bleeding on probing (BoP), suggesting a protective role for these bacteria in periodontal health.

Original Statement

“Interestingly, significant correlations were also found between tongue bacteria and periodontal parameters. For example, nitrate-reducing bacteria (e.g., Actinomyces massiliensis and Rothia dentocariosa) correlated negatively with BoP (Supplementary Table 2).”

From study:The blood pressure lowering effect of beetroot juice is impaired in periodontitis and recovered after periodontal treatment

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study design is observational and shows correlation between nitrate-reducing bacteria and periodontal health parameters. The language 'correlate negatively' appropriately reflects the correlational nature of the findings.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The blood pressure lowering effect of beetroot juice is impaired in periodontitis and recovered after periodontal treatment

Cohort Study

Human

2025 Jan 9

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The blood pressure lowering effect of beetroot juice is impaired in periodontitis and recovered after periodontal treatment

Score: 38

DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00622-5

Similar Assertions

Treating gum disease helps increase beneficial bacteria in the gums but doesn't significantly change the bacteria on the tongue.

92%

People with gum disease have fewer mouth bacteria that help convert nitrate to nitrite compared to people with healthy gums.

91%

Using mouthwash that kills mouth bacteria leads to higher levels of nitrate in both saliva and blood.

76%

After gum disease treatment, harmful bacteria decrease in both the gums and the tongue.

74%

Bacteria in the mouth help keep nitrite levels in the blood stable, which is shown by the fact that people with higher nitrite in their saliva also tend to have higher nitrite in their blood.

74%