Oral Health and Heart Disease: Know the Risks

You brush your teeth to avoid cavities and freshen your breath, but did you know that good oral hygiene might also help protect your heart? While brushing and flossing alone won’t prevent cardiovascular disease, research reveals a striking connection between oral health and heart health. Inflammation and harmful bacteria in the mouth can influence systemic conditions, potentially contributing to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues.

Read on to learn more about the connection between periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease, along with some simple daily habits to safeguard your overall health.

Why Gum Disease May Affect the Heart

Gum disease (also known as periodontitis) is more than just a dental problem. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, particularly species like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola. Left untreated, these bacteria cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and create pockets of infection. Untreated periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss.

The effects aren’t limited to your mouth. Once gum tissue is inflamed, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream. There, they may travel to other parts of the body—including the arteries that supply your heart. The bacteria and the immune response they trigger can contribute to the buildup of arterial plaque, the hardening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), and long-term damage to the cardiovascular system.

What Research Shows

Several large-scale studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated a strong association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Correlation does not equal causation – for example, people with poor oral health may also have other health and lifestyle issues that can impact their heart. But the pattern is clear: people with periodontal disease face significantly higher risks of heart-related events.

A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that individuals with gum disease had a 24% to 50% increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Other studies have identified traces of oral bacteria—such as P. gingivalis—in the fatty deposits of arterial plaques, strengthening the biological plausibility of a causal link.

Additional findings include:

• Chronic gum disease is considered a predictive marker for future cardiovascular events, especially in individuals with existing risk factors like diabetes or smoking.
• Tooth loss, a common outcome of untreated gum disease, is also associated with higher cardiovascular mortality, likely due to its connection to chronic infection and inflammation.

The American Heart Association acknowledges that there is a strong, consistent, and independent association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Biological Mechanisms in Depth

How exactly can an infection in your mouth affect your heart? The answer lies in inflammatory and immune responses.

When oral bacteria gain entry into the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue, they can trigger widespread immune reactions. These include the activation of inflammatory cytokines like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)—both of which are markers known to be elevated in people with heart disease.

These bacteria don’t just circulate passively. P. gingivalis, in particular, has been shown to adhere to and invade endothelial cells—the cells that line your blood vessels—causing dysfunction and promoting plaque formation. Over time, this contributes to the narrowing of arteries, high blood pressure, and increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Recent studies have also linked periodontal bacteria to cardiac arrhythmias. One 2022 study found that P. gingivalis may contribute to atrial fibrosis, a condition that can lead to atrial fibrillation, a common and dangerous type of irregular heartbeat.

So, the mouth isn’t an isolated system, it’s a gateway that can influence inflammation, infection, and disease throughout the body.

Daily Oral Care Habits That Improve Heart Health

The good news is that keeping your mouth healthy isn’t complicated—and it can make a real difference for your heart.

At a minimum, you should:

• Brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Ask your dentist if they recommend that you use an antiseptic mouthwash or water flosser to further reduce the bacterial load in your mouth.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn out or you’ve been ill.

Most importantly, see your dentist regularly—at least every six months, or more often if you’re at risk for gum disease. Professional cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) that you can’t brush away at home. Dentists can also catch early signs of gum disease before it becomes severe or spreads beyond your mouth.

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When to Seek Professional Care

Gum disease often begins silently, but certain warning signs can signal trouble:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
• Gum recession (teeth looking longer).
• Loose or shifting teeth.

These symptoms may not seem urgent, but they indicate chronic inflammation and potentially elevated cardiovascular risk. Getting evaluated by a dentist is critical. Prompt treatment can reverse early-stage gum disease and prevent its progression.

Coordinating Dental and Cardiovascular Health

Medical professionals now recognize the importance of oral health in their patients’ overall well-being. Sharing your history of gum disease or tooth loss can help inform treatment strategies and encourage additional monitoring of inflammatory markers.

Likewise, some dental treatments may require precautions if you have a heart condition, especially if you take blood thinners or have had valve surgery. Make sure your dental team knows about your health history. Integrated care ensures safety, early intervention, and the best possible outcomes.

Taking a whole-body approach to health – where oral care is part of your cardiovascular strategy – puts you in control of your long-term wellness. But budget concerns can keep people from getting regular dental care. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, and want to reduce the cost of dental care, consider joining a dental savings plan. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care.

Dental savings plans activate quickly, within 72 hours of purchase, with emergency same-day activation available on many plans. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans do not have deductibles, annual limits on how much you can save, or 6-12 month waiting periods before full coverage is available – you can start saving on virtually all dental treatments immediately after your plan activates.

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*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.