Oral Hygiene Could Prevent Deadly Clots

Monday 6th September 2010

Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth could prevent against gum disease, heart attacks and potentially deadly blot clots caused by mouth bacteria, according to new research from the University of Bristol. Researchers warn that neglecting to take good care of your oral hygiene could promote the growth of bacterial microbe cultures that can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and cause blood platelets to group together and form clots.

Researchers explain that the blood clots as part of the bacteria's self defense response – which involves releasing a protein that causes blood platelets to group together and cover the bacteria, putting the microbes beyond the reach of antibiotics. However this response can also lead to the formation of deadly clots that could block blood supply to the brain.

Dental experts hope that their findings will encourage people to take better care of their teeth – and prevent bacteria from entering the blood stream by regularly brushing and flossing which in turn lessens the occurrence of bleeding gums.

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