Dangerous Bacteria Can ‘Jailbreak’ Into Bloodstream

Updated: 2/25/2020

Dental health can have a very real effect on your heart if bacteria usually confined in your mouth escapes into your bloodstream.

Scientists from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland are researching ways to alter the manner in which these bacteria flow through the circulatory system.

If you don’t brush or floss on a regular basis, certain plaque-causing bacteria can get out of hand and “jailbreak” into the bloodstream from the mouth. This often occurs when the gums bleed due to lack of oral hygiene, leading to the bacteria traveling with the blood to infiltrate the rest of the bloodstream.

These particular bacteria, once loose, use specific proteins to clot the blood around them so they can travel protected. Clotting the blood around them protects them from antibiotics as well as the body’s own immune system.

In addition to allowing the bacteria to travel freely, these clots also inhibit blood from flowing freely to the brain and heart. It could eventually lead to heart attack or even death.

Researchers are studying this system using a model that imitates the human circulatory system. They hope to eventually develop a successful method for treating cardiovascular disease.

Aside from practicing consistent oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly to ensure that you are taking care of your teeth and thus not at risk for an oral “jailbreak.”

Read more: Science Daily

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