Floss away blood-clot danger

Published on Sunday 5 September 2010 15:24

Bugs escaping from the mouth employ a survival trick that can trigger deadly blood clots, research has shown.

The link between bacteria that cause dental plaque and heart disease and strokes is well known. Scientists have now discovered why it is the microbes pose a far bigger risk than receding gums.

Once let loose in the bloodstream, they deploy a protein that forces platelets to bind together and shield the bugs with clots. Professor Howard Jenkinson, of Bristol University, said: "Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valves, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain."

He said oral bacteria could "wreak havoc" if not kept in check by regular brushing and flossing.