Researchers report the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque can cause blood clots that induce heart attacks when they escape into the bloodstream. The findings are the first to link bacteria to the formation of potentially fatal blood clots.
Previous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal disease, but scientists didn’t know why.
Now we show a potential biological reason. In lab tests, rabbits were injected bacteria from dental plaque into their bloodstream. The bacteria caused blood clots to form within minutes. Rabbits are proven model for testing hypotheses about human heart disease and heart attacks.
Chronic inflammation of the gums due to plaque also could be involved in imflamation of the lining of the blood vessels that is known to lead to the build-up of plaque in arteries.
Additional studies presented that bacteria in plaque also are linked to:
• A potentially fatal disease called infective endocraditis in which the sac around the heart becomes inflamed.
• Lung infection in people with chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing and diminish a person’s response to vaccines against hepatitis B and influenza.
• A high risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth weight infants.
Reducing risk of disease linked to dental bacteria is a common lesson preached by dentists. Have the teeth cleaned regularly and floss daily. If necessary, have bone implants to replace dental bone lost from periodontal disease. Bacteria reside in pockets caused by bone loss where the teeth are attached.
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