A common dental health problem may indicate a more dangerous medical condition

There is growing evidence that gum disease (periodontal disease) and heart disease may be linked, especially when it comes to plaque buildup in the arteries and the risk of major cardiovascular events.

The American Heart Association (AHA) this week released a scientific statement sharing how swollen gums and bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in blood vessels.

The team examined previous research showing that people with worse gum disease tend to have a higher risk of several major cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure and peripheral artery disease.

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“Your mouth and your heart are connected,” Andrew H. Tran, MD, pediatric cardiologist and director of the preventive cardiology program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said in a news release.

Florida periodontist Nathan Estrin agreed that there is a “clear association and link” between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

“If you have plaque in your gums, you likely have plaque in your arteries,” Estrin, who was not involved in this study, told News Digital. “Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.”

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Gum disease begins when bacteria and plaque build up around the teeth and gums. Over time, this can lead to chronic inflammation in the mouth, according to multiple health sources.

This inflammation is known to be one of the key factors in atherosclerosis, the process in which fatty plaque builds up within the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.

Potential limitations

AHA researchers noted that periodontal disease shares many of the same risk factors as heart disease (such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity), making it difficult to separate the impact of gum disease from these other influences.

“Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.”

While there is evidence of clear associations between gum disease and increased cardiovascular risk, gum disease has not yet been shown to directly cause heart disease, they noted.

“Most of the evidence comes from observational studies, which makes it difficult to prove cause and effect,” Sergiu Darabant, MD, a cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, told News Digital. “So far, clinical trials have been small or underpowered and have not clearly demonstrated fewer cardiovascular events with periodontal treatment.” (Darabant was not involved in the study.)

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The scientists also noted that there is not yet strong enough evidence to show that treating gum disease reduces the risk of heart disease, although controlling inflammation is generally considered helpful.

Practicing excellent home care, including brushing, flossing, using a catcher and a homeopathic mouthwash, can help improve gum hygiene, Estrin said. Regular cleanings and checkups are also important for prevention.

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“Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups aren’t just about a healthy smile — they’re an important part of protecting your heart,” he noted.

More research is needed, the researchers acknowledged.

“Long-term, multicenter randomized trials are needed to demonstrate causality and mechanisms of a bidirectional relationship,” Estrin said. “However, the association should be enough for doctors to pay attention.”

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Patients who are concerned about the health of their gums should visit a periodontist for evaluation, experts recommend.