When most people think about protecting their heart, they picture exercise, nutrition, and managing their weight. What doesn’t come to mind? The health of your teeth and gums. Published articles over the last few decades have shown there is an important link between oral health and cardiovascular health.
This research has included population data, imaging, genetic testing, and molecular pathways which all show this is a connection worth paying attention to — and the good news is, there are simple steps you can take to improve your risk.
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Why the mouth-heart connection matters
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria. Most of them are there to help us digest food, prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria, and are part of our immune protection. But when plaque builds up along the gumline, it creates a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria that cause gum disease (also called periodontal disease). This can cause infection and lead to systemic inflammation.
When gums become inflamed or infected, that inflammation and unhealthy bacteria don’t stay put. Chronic inflammation leads to a chain reaction of inflammation that contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries, raising the risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. The unhealthy bacteria can gain access to the blood stream and cause heart valve infections called endocarditis. Patients with prior heart valve infection or valve surgeries are especially vulnerable to this form of infection.
There is an association how someone cares for themselves and risk of heart disease. Your body weight, waist size, blood pressure, exercise routine, and nutrition heavily contribute to your cardiovascular health. The interesting discussion is that studies suggest even when taking these differences between patient into account those with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease. So, while we don’t say gum disease causes heart disease outright, we do know that the two are closely linked — and that caring for your mouth is another way of caring for your heart.
Inflammation: The common thread
The body reacts to gum disease the same way it reacts to any infection: with inflammation.
That’s useful in the short term, but harmful if it lingers.
With constant signals to fight infection the inflammatory signals become stressful and damaging to the arteries of the body. This is similar to the effects of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes conditions we know are risk factors for heart disease. Chronic inflammation leads to dysfunction of the lining of the arteries of the body which leads to the development of atherogenesis – the build-up of blockages.
That’s why dentists and cardiologists alike encourage patients not to ignore bleeding gums, loose teeth, or chronic bad breath. These can be early signs of gum disease that deserve attention.
Shared risk factors
Another reason oral health and heart health are linked is that they share many of the same risk factors. Smoking, poor nutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, and chronic stress can all damage both your teeth and your cardiovascular system.
What you can do today
The encouraging news is that small, consistent habits can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to protect both your smile and your heart:
- Brush and floss daily. Aim for at least two minutes of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. This prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, which only a dentist can remove.
- See your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings and checkups catch problems early and prevent gum disease from progressing.
- Pay attention to symptoms. Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums aren’t normal. If you notice these changes, don’t ignore them — schedule a dental appointment.
- Adopt heart-healthy habits. Quit smoking, consider a Mediterranean diet, stay active with a goal of 180 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, and keep up with regular medical checkups.
- Keep your care team connected. Let your dentist know about your heart history and let your cardiologist know if you’re dealing with gum disease. Team-based care matters.
Looking at the whole person
One of the things I appreciate most about practicing at HonorHealth is the focus on seeing the whole person, not just one part of the body. Heart health does not exist in isolation. The heart, brain, body, and the mouth are part of one interconnected system. Your dentist, your primary care provider, and your cardiologist all play a role in helping you live longer, healthier, and with more confidence.
Final thoughts
Taking care of your teeth and gums might not sound like heart medicine, but it is. Every time you brush, floss, and sit in that dental chair, you’re not only protecting your smile — you are also supporting your cardiovascular health.
As a cardiologist, I encourage my patients to think of oral health as part of their heart-healthy routine. It’s another reminder that small daily choices can add up to big protection for the body’s most important muscle.
Author: Adam Sabbath, MD, is a general cardiologist, associate program director of the HonorHealth Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, and an Associate Professor of Clinical Practice ASU School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. Dr Sabbath has lived in Phoenix with his family since 2008 after graduating University of Arizona Cardiology Fellowship.
