A growing number of studies suggest that gum disease may be linked to serious heart problems.
These problems include heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and other health issues related to the heart and metabolism. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a chronic condition that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in the journal Circulation, explains how taking care of your gums could also help protect your heart.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, is the leading cause of death around the world. It happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, blocking blood flow. This can lead to conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
The new statement reviews the latest research showing that gum disease and ASCVD may be linked—not just because they share common risk factors like smoking or high blood pressure, but possibly because of a direct biological connection.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is mild gum inflammation caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. If not treated, it can turn into periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that collect bacteria.
In its severe form, the bones holding the teeth in place can be damaged, and teeth may become loose or fall out. This can also lead to painful infections that require surgery.
Gum disease is more common in people with other risk factors for heart disease. These include high blood pressure, being overweight, diabetes, and smoking.
It’s also more common in men, older adults, and people with limited access to dental care. Social factors like low income or poor nutrition can also make it harder for people to keep their gums healthy.
Scientists believe the link between gum disease and heart disease could come from two main pathways. First, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect blood vessels. Second, the body’s response to gum infection can lead to long-term inflammation, which can damage the heart and blood vessels over time.
Many studies have found that gum disease is associated with a higher risk of major heart problems. This includes not just heart attacks and strokes but also conditions like chronic kidney disease and sudden cardiac death. However, researchers have not yet proven that gum disease directly causes heart disease.
So far, there is no strong evidence that treating gum disease will directly prevent heart disease. But treatments that lower long-term inflammation in the body could still help lower heart risks. Keeping your gums healthy may be one way to reduce inflammation and protect your heart over time.
People who already have risk factors for heart disease might benefit the most from regular dental checkups and gum care. Some research shows that brushing your teeth more often is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
For example, people who brush three or more times a day have a much lower 10-year risk of developing heart disease compared to those who brush only once a day or less.
More studies are needed to fully understand how treating gum disease might improve heart health. In the meantime, it’s clear that good dental hygiene and regular checkups are not just good for your smile—they could also be good for your heart.
The study also highlights that people with fewer resources, including limited access to dental care, may face a higher risk of both gum and heart diseases. Future efforts should focus on making dental care more accessible and exploring how social factors influence health.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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