Scientists say they have established one reason why gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. The link between gum and heart problems has long been recognized but it is unclear if poor oral health is simply a marker of a person’s general well being. UK and Irish experts now say bacteria enter the bloodstream via sore gums and deposit a clot-forming protein. The findings are being presented at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology.
A Scottish study of more than 11,000 people found people who did not brush their teeth twice a day were at increased risk of heart disease. It backed up previous findings that suggested a link, but researchers stressed the nature of the relationship still needed further analysis.
Scientists from the University of Bristol working with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now suggest it is the Streptococcus bacteria – responsible for causing tooth plaque and gum disease – which may be to blame. Their work shows this bacteria, once let loose in the bloodstream, makes a protein known as PadA which forces platelets in the blood to stick together and clot.
Research such as this makes a welcome contribution to further understanding the nature of the relationship between gum disease and heart disease”
Prof Damian Walmsley British Dental Association:
While maintaining good dental hygiene could minimise the risk, the team is also investigating how the platelet-activating function of the protein PadA can be blocked. Professor Damian Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said:
“Research such as this makes a welcome contribution to further understanding the nature of the relationship between gum disease and heart disease.”
“It also underlines the high importance of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting your intake of sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly in order to maintain good oral health.”
The British Heart Foundation said that were other factors besides oral health which had a greater impact on heart health. But their senior cardiac nurse Cathy Ross added that combining good oral health care: “With a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking part in plenty of physical activity will go a long way in helping you reduce your overall risk of heart disease.”