How Do Oral Bacteria Cause Cardiovascular Disease?

In a scene right out of the movie "Alien" scientists discussed how oral bacteria affect the lining of one's heart. The squeamish should not read further.

The common oral bacteria which causes gingivitis and its associated cousin, periodontal disease, is called Porphyromonas gingivalis. The name, though nightmarish in its own right, does not compare to its behavior. Yes, that's right, behavior; as all bacteria are alive, and behave in a certain way.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a bacteria with outer and inner fimbria, or finger-like appendages. The outer fimbria attaches itself to the endothelial lining of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel which comes from your heart. The inner fimbria then eat into the lining of the aorta and spread their evil poisons throughout the environment.

What is amazing is not that the body's immune system 'kicks in' or that an immediate inflammatory response occurs, but that we do not die immediately from such noxious stimuli.

Definite proof of a relationship between infectious agents contributing to hardening of the arteries is still lacking....however, the above results do propose a mechanism by which the mouth's common bacteria with periodontal disease or gingivitis can contribute to more health hazards in a more vulnerable part of our bodies.