Mouth bacteria that cause heart disease. There are many bacteria that live in our mouths, one of which is Streptococcus Gordonii. A recent study found that, the bacteria Streptococcus Gordonii into the blood stream can cause blood clots and lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart).
Thus the results presented by research scientists from the Royal College of Surgeons in the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Conference, Dublin Ireland.
Streptococcus Gordonii is a type of bacteria in the mouth and has contributed in the formation of plaque on tooth surfaces. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the gums are bleeding, they will wreak havoc by posing as a human protein.
Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (RCSI) and University of Bristol have found that the bacteria S. Gordonii is able to produce molecules that imitate human proteins fibrinogen, and cause clots in the blood vessels. Platelet clumping can cause endocarditis, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.
With a better understanding of the relationship between bacteria and the risk of blood clots, it can help especially in the treatment of infective endocarditis do. Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves, which are usually caused by bacteria.
In addition, researchers were also more extensively studied other bacteria in dental plaque that may have an effect similar to S. Gordonii. These findings clearly show how important it is to maintain oral hygiene and dental hygiene by brushing teeth regularly.
