The bacteria responsible for gum disease enter the bloodstream, where they stimulate the formation of clots, British researchers have observed. In their opinion, this could explain the relationship between periodontitis and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The researchers announced their discovery at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology in Nottingham on September 6-9.
Streptococcus mutans bacteria living in the mouth cause not only tooth decay, but also gingivitis, which – especially if they persist for a long time – can turn into a more serious disease, such as periodontitis. This disease affects not only the gums but also other tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, such as the periodontium and root cementum. It manifests itself in heavy bleeding of the gums and causes them to move away from the teeth, it also leads to the loss of bone from which the teeth grow and eventually – to their loss.
Recent studies have shown that chronic gingivitis and periodontitis are dangerous to our overall health as they increase the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications and even cancer.
In the light of these discoveries, taking care of oral hygiene takes on a new meaning, as its lack significantly increases the likelihood of periodontitis. Scottish research on over 2010 published in May 11 people have found, for example, that people who don’t brush their teeth twice a day have an increased risk of heart disease.
However, the exact mechanism responsible for the link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease is unknown.
The latest experiences of scientists from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, allow us to understand him a little better.
Researchers have observed that when Streptococcus bacteria enter the bloodstream from damaged gums, a protein in their cell wall called PadA causes platelets to stick together and form a clot around the bacterial cell. This is a very selfish trick, thanks to which the microbes gain an envelope that protects them not only against the immune system, but also against antibiotics used to fight infection, explained Prof. Howard Jenkinson.
At the same time, this process increases the risk of blood clots that can block the vessel leading to the brain or heart, causing a stroke or heart attack, or cause bacteria to deposit on the heart valves, which in turn can cause endocarditis, the researcher explained.
People should be aware that in order to minimize the risk of heart problems, they should not only control their diet, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and be physically active, but also take care of oral hygiene – emphasized Prof. Jenkinson. It consists, inter alia, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and visiting your dentist regularly.
In their latest research, scientists used a completely new blood flow model that mimics the conditions found in the human circulatory system.
We are currently examining how to block the effect of PadA on plaque clumping. This could lead to new methods of treating cardiovascular diseases in the future, which are still the main killer of people in developed countries – concluded Prof. Jenkinson. (PAP)