The missing link

A link between gum disease and heart disease has been established for some time, though until now it has been unclear what causes the connection. Health experts now believe it is bacteria entering the bloodstream through sore gums and depositing a clot-forming protein, which can increase the risk of heart attacks.

Scientists from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland suggest it is the Streptococcus bacterium that is causing the problem. Streptococcus is the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease and tooth plaque. Research shows that once it enters the bloodstream, it creates a protein known as PadA, which causes the platelets in the blood to stick together and clot. The platelets encase the bacteria, protecting it from the immune system and antibiotics that might be used to try and treat the infection.

Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the research, said: ‘Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growth on the heart valves, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.’