Dr. James Belcher, December 13, 2025

Periodontitis & Heart Health: More connected than you think

Gums and the heart have more in common than you might think. Researchers are uncovering increasing evidence that periodontitis not only endangers teeth but can also contribute to heart attacks and strokes. Sound alarming? Don't worry – this article explains why and what you can do to protect yourself.

Parodontitis & Herzgesundheit: Mehr verbunden als gedacht

What's behind it?

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth – triggered by an imbalance in the oral microbiome. Bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis can attack the gums, cause inflammation and, in advanced stages, lead to gum recession and tooth loss .  

Why is it relevant?

Periodontitis does not only affect the mouth – inflammatory substances and bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums . If this chronic inflammation is left untreated, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly: those affected have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or other vascular diseases (Tran et al., 2025).


Infobox
People with severe periodontitis have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people with healthy oral flora.

Scientific background

Periodontitis can increase inflammatory markers in the body – this can lead to damage to vessel walls, inflammation, and in the worst case, vascular calcification (arteriosclerotic processes) (Ferrare et al., 2025).

Researchers have also detected bacteria from diseased gums in atherosclerotic vascular plaques, where they further exacerbate inflammation of the vessel walls (Farrugia et al., 2021). Several large review articles from recent years have concluded that there is a significant correlation between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (Tran et al., 2025 & Sanz et al., 2020).

Practical tips for everyday life

  • ✓ Maintain your oral hygiene: Brush regularly, use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque between your teeth (Chapple et al., 2015) .
  • ✓ Go for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning at least once a year: this allows plaque and deposits to be removed even below the gum line (Sanz et al., 2015).
  • ✓ Pay attention to a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, exercise and abstaining from tobacco or smoking can support both dental and vascular health (Ramseier et al., 2015). 

At a glance

ⓘ Inflammatory processes and bacteria can enter the bloodstream and put a strain on blood vessels .

ⓘ Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

ⓘ Good oral hygiene and targeted care can also relieve stress on the heart and circulatory system. 

Sources

  • Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, et al. Primary Prevention of Periodontitis: Managing Gingivitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S71–S76. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12366.

  • Eick S, Taudte N, Ramsbeck D, Magdon A, Sculean A, Potempa J, Buchholz M. Effect of a bacterial glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor on multi-species biofilms. Frontiers in Oral Health . 2025. doi:10.3389/froh.2025.1716625.

  • Farrugia C, Stafford GP, Potempa J, et al. Mechanisms of Vascular Damage by Systemic Dissemination of the Oral Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis . The FEBS Journal . 2021;288(5):1479–1495. doi:10.1111/febs.15486.

  • Ferrara E, D'Albenzio A, Bassignani J, et al. The Periodontal–Cardiovascular Disease Association: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences . 2025;26(16):7710. doi:10.3390/ijms26167710.

  • Ramseier CA, Suvan JE. Behavior Change Counseling for Tobacco Use Cessation and Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S47–S58. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12351.

  • Sanz M, Bäumer A, Buduneli N, et al. Effect of Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal on Secondary Prevention of Periodontitis and the Complications of Gingival and Periodontal Preventive Measures: Consensus Report of Group 4 of the 11th European Workshop on Periodontology on Effective Prevention of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S214–S220. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12367.

  • Sanz M, Marco Del Castillo A, Jepsen S, et al. Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Diseases: Consensus Report. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2020;47(3):268–288. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13189.

  • Tran AH, Zaidi AH, Bolger AF, et al. Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2025. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001390. 

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