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Dental care professionals from Eludril and Elgydium report in their presentation at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology that gum disease can be linked to heart disorders later on. Historically, dental experts have highlighted various theories connecting gum disease to cardiac disorders.

In their presentation, the researchers note that bacteria causing gum disease can go through the blood stream and produce a clot-forming protein. This presentation discussed a study that took place in cooperation between researchers from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

The study suggests that Streptococcus bacteria, a leading cause of gum disease and tooth plaque, can be connected to cardiac disorders. A spokesman for oral health experts from Eludril and Elgydium, said “These Streptococcus bacteria can get into the bloodstream and create a protein which causes blood platelets to stick together and clot” He added “The research followed a Scottish study of more than 11,000 people – those who did not brush their teeth twice a day were more likely to suffer from heart disease.”

In a previous related study, researchers from the University of Kiel in Germany highlighted a genetic connection between gum disease and cardiac disorders. The genetic connection was discovered in the form of genetic mutation in cardiac patients that was noticed in periodontitis patients. Both studies highlight several risk factors for cardiac disease including smoking, diabetes, and obesity.