In rats, higher levels of certain mouth bacteria were linked to lower blood pressure, showing how the mouth's bacteria might help control blood pressure.
Scientific Claim
Wistar rats using a nitrate-containing mouth rinse showed significant inverse correlations between diastolic blood pressure and the relative abundance of specific bacteria (Staphylococcus, Veillonella, Streptococcus, and Neisseria), suggesting a link between oral microbiome composition and blood pressure regulation.
Original Statement
“In the bioactive rinse group only, DBP and salivary nitrate/nitrite were beneficially correlated with the relative abundance of Staphylococcus (Salivary nitrate: r = 0.795, p = 0.010), Veillonella (DBP: r = − 0.750, p = 0.020), Streptococcus (DBP: r = − 0.667, p = 0.050), and Neisseria (Salivary nitrite: r = 0.794, p = 0.011).”
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 is an animal model showing association between bacterial abundance and blood pressure. The verb 'showed significant inverse correlations' is appropriate for this correlational finding in an animal study.
More Accurate Statement
“Wistar rats using a nitrate-containing mouth rinse were associated with significant inverse correlations between diastolic blood pressure and the relative abundance of specific bacteria (Staphylococcus, Veillonella, Streptococcus, and Neisseria), suggesting a link between oral microbiome composition and blood pressure regulation.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Functional mouth rinse containing inorganic nitrate and antioxidants bolsters the enterosalivary pathway and lowers blood pressure in Wistar rats