Looking after your teeth and gums has long been known to help prevent cavities, tooth loss and painful infections.
However, scientists are discovering that good oral health may also influence the health of other parts of the body.
A new study suggests that the bacteria responsible for gum disease could also play a role in a serious heart valve condition, although more research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.
The research was led by scientists from Fuwai Hospital’s National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases in Beijing. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026 in Boston.
Because the work was presented at a scientific meeting, it is considered preliminary and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The condition studied is called calcific aortic valve stenosis, or CAVS. It develops when the aortic valve gradually becomes thick, stiff and filled with calcium deposits. As the opening narrows, the heart has to work much harder to pump blood around the body. People may develop tiredness, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or heart failure as the disease worsens.
At present there are no medicines that can stop or reverse CAVS. Once the valve becomes severely damaged, many patients need surgery or a replacement valve. Finding new ways to slow the disease is therefore an important goal for researchers.
The team focused on a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is one of the main causes of severe gum disease. Previous studies have linked this bacterium with inflammation throughout the body and with several forms of cardiovascular disease. The researchers wanted to know whether it could also contribute to calcium build-up inside the aortic valve.
They examined heart valve tissue collected from patients who underwent valve replacement surgery. Calcified valves contained much higher levels of P. gingivalis than valves removed for other heart conditions. This unexpected finding encouraged the researchers to investigate further.
The scientists then carried out experiments in mice. Animals repeatedly exposed to live P. gingivalis developed bacteria inside their aortic valves, more calcium deposits and signs of valve narrowing. Treating the mice with preventive antibiotics reduced these harmful effects.
The study also identified an important inflammatory protein called interleukin-1 beta, or IL-1β. When this inflammatory pathway was removed in mice, valve calcification was greatly reduced even though the bacteria were present. This suggests inflammation may be the key link between gum disease and heart valve damage.
The researchers believe their findings highlight another reason to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups and early treatment of gum disease may benefit overall health, although this study does not prove that treating gum disease will prevent heart valve disease.
This research provides an interesting biological explanation for a possible connection between oral health and heart disease. Its strengths include studies using both human tissue and animal models, but the work remains preliminary because it has not yet been peer reviewed or confirmed in clinical trials involving people.
Larger human studies are now underway and will be needed before doctors can recommend new treatments based on these findings.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
Source: Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases.
