Not long ago, scientists unveiled that a bacteria often found in our mouths, is the same bacteria that often invades heart tissue. It may cause a dangerous and even lethal infection of the heart, such an infection is called, "endocarditis." The study claims that there is now a possibility to create a screening tool "to gauge a dental patients vulnerability to the condition."
It's a well-known fact that S. mutans is a bacterium that causes cavities. Normally, S. mutans limits its harm to the mouth, it is possible however, for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream, particularly after a dental procedure. Actually, the immune system destroys them, but sometimes, within a short period of time, they travel to the heart and colonize its tissue. It's important to note that this bacteria can lead to endocarditis, which can be deadly.
"It may be that CNM can serve as a bio-marker of the most virulent strains of S. mutans," said Abranches, a research assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. "When patients with cardiac problems go to the dentist, perhaps they can be screened to see if they carry the protein, if they do, the dentist might treat them more aggressively with preventive antibiotics, for example."
Jacqueline Abranches, Ph.D., a microbiologist and the corresponding author of the study, mentioned that when he first got to know that S. mutans occasionally can live in the heart, he asked himself, "Why in the world are these bacteria, which normally live in the mouth, in the heart? I was intrigued, and I began investigating how they get there and survive there," said Jacqueline Abranches.
In laboratory experiments, scientists found that strains with CNM are able to invade heart cells, and strains without CNM are not. This study will give us additional opportunities to prevent S. mutans from invading heart tissue.
"No matter what types of bacteria a person has in his or her mouth, they should do the same things to maintain good oral health. They should brush and floss their teeth regularly, the smaller the number of S. mutans in your mouth, the healthier you'll be. Use a fluoride rinse before you go to bed at night. And eat a healthy diet, keeping sugar to a minimum," added Abranches.
Source:
University of Rochester Medical Center, Tom Rickey
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