A new study has found that treating severe gum disease might do more than protect your teeth—it could also help prevent serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.
The study, published in the European Heart Journal, shows that intensive treatment for periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, may help keep arteries clear and support long-term heart health.
In the clinical trial, researchers found that deep cleaning the gums reduced inflammation and the number of bacteria entering the bloodstream.
This also helped slow the thickening of the carotid arteries—major blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain, neck, and face.
When these arteries become thicker or clogged, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases. The study’s results suggest that taking care of your gums could be a smart way to protect your heart.
Periodontitis is a long-term condition that causes swelling, bleeding, and damage to the gums and bone around the teeth. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene but can also be linked to smoking, genetic factors, and uncontrolled diabetes. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. The condition affects about 40% of adults worldwide.
Until now, research on whether treating gum disease helps the heart has shown mixed results. But this new trial provides strong evidence that cleaning infected gums can improve blood vessel health and lower the risk of heart disease, even in people who are otherwise healthy.
The study involved 135 adults who had periodontitis but no other major health issues. Half of the participants received standard dental care, which included regular cleanings. The other half received intensive treatment, which included a full-mouth deep cleaning done under local anesthesia.
Researchers followed the participants for two years. They checked the thickness of the carotid arteries at the start of the study, after one year, and again after two years. They also tested how well the arteries could expand and measured other signs of heart and blood vessel health.
The results were clear. People who received the intensive gum treatment had less thickening of their arteries than those who got regular dental care. After 24 months, the artery walls in the intensive treatment group were 0.02 mm thinner.
This might sound small, but according to the researchers, even a 0.01 mm reduction in artery thickness could mean a 10% drop in the risk of heart disease. That means participants in the study may have lowered their heart disease risk by about 10% each year.
Dr. Marco Orlandi, one of the study leaders, said the findings show how important it is to take gum disease seriously. He pointed out that even simple changes in oral health can have a big impact on heart health.
Professor Francesco D’Aiuto, another lead researcher, added that doctors and dentists should work together more often. Gum disease should be treated as part of a bigger plan to prevent serious health problems later in life.
Professor John Deanfield, who also led the study, said this is some of the strongest evidence so far that heart and oral health are closely linked. He believes that treating gum disease could become an effective and low-cost way to reduce deaths from heart disease and stroke worldwide.
In summary, this research shows that keeping your gums healthy might be good for your heart too. Taking care of your mouth could be a simple but powerful way to protect your whole body.
If you care about stroke, please read research about Research finds a better high blood pressure treatment for stroke patients and findings of Scientists find a better drug than statins for stroke patients.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about Half of people with heart rhythm diseases dying of heart attack, stroke and findings of New method reduces heart attacks and strokes over five years.
The study is published in European Heart Journal.
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