Can Oral Health Affect Your Heart? Expert Opinion from Dentists

Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease. Bacteria from gum infections enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in blood vessels. This connection is supported by clinical studies, and dentists like Dr. Esteban Garza emphasize its importance for long-term health.

What Is the Link Between Oral Health and Heart Disease?

Oral infections contribute to cardiovascular issues through inflammation and bacterial spread.

Gum disease (periodontitis) increases systemic inflammation.
Oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis enter the bloodstream and attach to arterial walls.
This promotes atherosclerosis, or hardening of arteries.
Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) rise in patients with poor oral hygiene.

A 2020 meta-analysis in the Journal of Periodontology showed that patients with periodontal disease had a 1.5 to 2 times higher risk of developing heart conditions.

How Do Dentists Detect Early Signs That May Affect Heart Health?

Dentists observe oral inflammation and periodontal pocket depth as early risk signals.

Dr. Esteban Garza of Champions Dental explains:

"We often see signs in the mouth—bleeding gums, bone loss, inflammation—that reflect deeper health problems. Oral care isn’t just about teeth; it’s a window into systemic health."

Key diagnostic signs include:

Oral Symptom	Possible Systemic Implication
Chronic gum bleeding	Elevated inflammation levels
Bone loss on X-rays	Risk for systemic bone and vessel issues
Foul breath	High bacterial load
Deep periodontal pockets	Increased risk of bacterial spread

What Conditions Are Most Commonly Linked to Oral Health?

The strongest links are with heart disease, stroke, and endocarditis.

Endocarditis: Bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and infect heart lining.
Atherosclerosis: Inflammation from oral infections contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
Stroke: Reduced arterial elasticity and blood flow irregularities increase stroke risk.

Patients with periodontitis have higher CRP levels and vascular endothelial dysfunction, both precursors to cardiovascular events.

Who Is Most at Risk?

High-risk groups include:

Patients with diabetes: Blood sugar fluctuations worsen gum health.
Smokers: Tobacco reduces blood flow to gums.
Those with poor oral hygiene habits: Infrequent brushing/flossing promotes bacterial buildup.
Elderly individuals: Natural immune decline increases susceptibility.

Chronic inflammation acts as a shared mechanism between oral and cardiovascular disease.

How Can You Protect Your Heart Through Better Oral Care?

Daily habits and regular dental checkups prevent long-term complications.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day to remove interproximal bacteria.
Visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and evaluations.
Treat gum disease early with scaling and root planing.
Control comorbid conditions like diabetes.

A 2019 study in the American Heart Journal found that routine dental cleaning reduces heart attack risk by 24%.

What Do Experts Recommend for At-Risk Patients?

Dr. Esteban Garza advises:

Monitor gum changes like swelling or bleeding.
Get periodontal evaluations if you have cardiovascular risks.
Coordinate with cardiologists for integrated care.

He adds:

"When we take care of the mouth, we’re not just saving teeth—we’re protecting the heart, brain, and entire body. Every dental visit is an opportunity to prevent something far bigger."

Which Treatments Help Reduce Both Oral and Cardiac Risk?

Preventive periodontal care offers dual health benefits.

Treatment	Oral Benefit	Cardiac Impact
Scaling and root planing	Removes deep plaque and tartar	Reduces systemic bacterial load
Antibacterial rinses	Lowers oral bacteria count	Limits spread to bloodstream
Perio maintenance therapy	Controls chronic inflammation	Lowers CVD risk over time

Research from the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in 2022 showed significant CRP reduction after periodontal therapy, indicating reduced inflammation burden.