Those all have to do with plaque in the brain. It staggers the mind. Although many of these bacteria are beneficial, some can be quite harmful. But these bacteria impact more than just your mouth. Cardiac conditions, strokes, diabetes, stomach ulcers and pneumonia have all been shown to be more prevalent or to worsen in those suffering from gum disease.
Gums infected with periodontal disease are toxic reservoirs of disease-causing bacteria.
The bacteria hide in pockets next to the teeth, where the gums have pulled away from the tooth surface. When gums are thus infected, they frequently bleed. Researchers at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis recently discovered that bleeding gums common in severe gum disease provide an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Streptococcus sanguis can cause blood clots which block arteries and trigger heart attacks. It offers considerable opportunity over time for these bacteria to enter the blood.