It’s the norm within the mouth. Each and every visit to the dentist’s office will surely include a little scraping of some built-up plaque on the teeth.

A person who regularly practices good oral hygiene will not have an excess of it, but those that do have more than their fair share have reason to reconsider their dental stance.

In a recent piece on the dangers of surplus bacteria in the mouth, Professor Howard Jenkinson of the University of Bristol pointed out that the microscopic beings can wreak serious havoc on the teeth and gums, but that’s not all.

The same bacteria that lead to gum disease can find an escape when the soft tissue begins to bleed. Once granted entrance to the blood stream, the plaque causing streptococcus bacteria is allowed to traverse the body.

Within the blood there are platelets. These cells are responsible for the clotting factor of blood, which is very useful when the body suffers and exterior injury, but can be very harmful when occurring inside.

The Streptococcus bacteria are able to react with the surface of the platelet cells causing them to bind and clot while still traveling the bloodstream. The clotting provides a protective barrier for the bacteria, which defends them against the immune system that would otherwise flush them out.

However, it is not so favorable for the human body. Clots that are allowed to enter the heart, the brain, or small vessels elsewhere can disrupt the flow of oxygen to internal organs.

Work is underway to learn more about the clotting factor and the part played by bacteria, so perhaps one day it can be prevented or treated.

For more information on this and the dangers of mouth bacteria, read the full article