Previous studies had found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal disease, but scientists didn't know why. Now we show a potential biological reason. Hertzberg told the 150th annual meeting of American Association for the Advancement of Science. In lab tests, Hertzberg and colleagues injected bacteria from dental plaque into the bloodstream of rabbits. The bacteria caused blood clots to form within minutes.
Rabbits are a proven model for testing hypotheses about human heart disease and heart attacks.
Chronic inflamation of the gums due to plaque also could be involved in the inflamation of the lining of the blood vessels that is known to lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, Hertzberg said. Lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to vaccines against hepatitis B and influenza. A higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth weight infants. If necessary, have bone implants to replace dental bone lost from periodontal disease, says researcher, Frank Scannapieco, State University of New York, Buffalo.