Rebekka Manninen, a rock musician from Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland, is known by her stage name A.W. Rebel. In her late 20s, she faced multiple brain haemorrhages, events that not only altered her perspective on life and freedom but also showcased her resilience. Rebekka’s illness, strengthened her commitment to her music career and to taking care of her health, including her oral health.
Music was always a significant part of Rebekka's life. She started playing the clarinet and French horn at a music school, taught herself piano, and began composing her first songs in English at nine while living in Papua New Guinea with her family. Whilst at secondary school, she also picked up the bass guitar, and practised basic drumming patterns her siblings had learned at school.
After returning to Finland, Rebekka performed with her siblings in Pentecostal church events in Papua New Guinea's pidgin language and sang in several school and church choirs. At age 11, she formed her first band with her sisters and friends. However, her strict religious upbringing limited her ability to express herself freely through music. It wasn't until adulthood, while studying theology in Australia that Rebekka discovered rock music and fell in love with it.
Rebekka said, "At that time, bands like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix blew me away. I found my first love – rock music."
However, it wasn't until later, after moving to Helsinki, divorcing her husband, and leaving her church, that rock music became a part of her life.
She said, "One night, I accidentally ended up at the Golden Classics jams. I ended up singing on stage, and behind the drums was my now good friend and professional musician, Tero Sundell. This incredible coincidence taught me about the Helsinki jam scene, and I gradually started advancing my music career. I sang in several rock bands for many years, eventually becoming a professional. Most recently, I spent two years, although more known for blues, as part of the Knucklebone Oscar band."
A change in direction
In 2017, Rebekka unexpectedly suffered a brain haemorrhage, which stopped her life in its tracks. When she called a health advisory line, the nurse told her to call an ambulance, but Rebekka chose a taxi instead, thinking it was just a migraine attack. At the hospital, she was immediately treated, and the brain haemorrhage was treated.
During a brain scan, another aneurysm was discovered, which was treated a year later. During the procedure for the second aneurysm, Rebekka suffered a stroke. Although Rebekka was not left with any lasting damage, these health scares forced her to reassess her life priorities.
Following her health complications, Rebekka made a conscious decision to dedicate herself entirely to her music. She realised she could no longer waste time on jobs that didn't bring her joy. Despite the financial challenges, she feels a profound sense of happiness now that she can focus on her music and live according to her passion.
Oral health takes on a new importance
The stroke also prompted Rebekka to think more broadly about her health. Although she had always cared for her teeth, she wasn't aware of the potential connection between oral and brain health. Using the antibacterial Lumoral-treatment device has further strengthened her commitment to maintaining and improving her oral health.
Regular use of antibacterial therapy, in addition to mechanical oral care, has significantly improved Rebekka's oral health, especially regarding gingivitis. She said, "Since using Lumoral, I've noticed my gums no longer bleed, which used to happen occasionally. Now, there are no inflammations because antibacterial treatment effectively cleans even between the teeth. Oral health has always been important to me, and it's amazing to see tangible results."
The link between oral health and brain health
Concerns surrounding the impact of oral health on overall health are growing, as research has revealed that oral bacteria are linked to many chronic diseases. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent severe brain conditions, like strokes. Rebekka has wondered if the bacteria in her mouth could have contributed to her severe neurological conditions by spreading elsewhere in the body. She plans to discuss this possibility with her neurologist during future check-ups.
Pirkko Pussinen is a professor has researched the connection between oral and brain health at the University of Eastern Finland. Pussinen's research has revealed that people with severe periodontitis are twice as likely to suffer a stroke before the age of 50. The study participants did not have traditional stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. The research also found that the stroke was more severe the more advanced the periodontitis was.
Oral health can also influence the risk of a brain haemorrhage. Oral bacteria, especially those associated with chronic gum inflammation, can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which may weaken the vessel walls. This could predispose the brain's blood vessels to rupture, leading to a brain haemorrhage.
Studies have indicated that oral inflammation can exacerbate blood vessel damage and increase the risk of brain haemorrhage, particularly in people with already compromised vascular health. Therefore, maintaining oral health, such as preventing gum inflammation and regularly removing dental plaque, is essential in reducing the risk of brain haemorrhages.
Future in music
Rebekka eagerly anticipates her debut album, set to be released in early 2025. Despite her health complications, she believes she's on the right path.
Rebekka said, "In the hospital, I realised how life can end in an instant, and it's not in my hands. That's why I'd rather live doing what I love, or at least try than spend my life anxious and miserable under society's expectations. I can no longer waste my life in jobs that drain my energy and health without giving anything back to myself.”
References available on request.