Studies involving more than 4 million people have linked gum disease with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death.

Now, a new clinical trial suggests that treating severe gum disease may improve markers associated with cardiovascular health.

Most of us think about brushing our teeth as a way to keep our smile looking good and avoid trips to the dentist.

But researchers are increasingly discovering that good oral health may have benefits that extend well beyond the mouth.

Recent studies have raised intriguing questions about whether the health of our gums and the health of our hearts may be more closely connected than previously thought.

What the Research Has Found So Far

Researchers have been investigating the connection between gum disease and cardiovascular health for many years.

One of the largest analyses, published in 2023, combined data from 39 studies involving more than 4.3 million people.

Compared with people without periodontal disease, those with gum disease were found to have:

• 20% higher risk of coronary heart disease

• 14% higher risk of heart attack

• 26% higher risk of stroke

• 42% higher risk of cardiovascular death

  
  

These studies cannot prove that gum disease directly causes heart disease. However, the consistency of the findings across millions of people has led researchers to investigate the relationship more closely.

Why Might Gum Disease Affect the Heart?

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK.

While factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes and physical inactivity are well-established risk factors, scientists continue to investigate whether chronic inflammation may also play a role.

The British Heart Foundation explains that chronic inflammation can contribute to atherosclerosis – the build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries. Over time, this can narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Researchers believe gum disease may contribute to this inflammatory burden.

When gums become chronically inflamed, bacteria and inflammatory compounds can enter the bloodstream. Scientists are still investigating exactly how this may influence cardiovascular health, but several studies suggest there may be a meaningful connection.

Clues from Earlier Research

Research has been exploring this possibility for many years.

One study funded by the British Heart Foundation found that around two-thirds of people admitted to hospital following a heart attack had a severe gum infection.

Researchers also reported that people with higher levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis – a bacterium commonly associated with gum disease – tended to have more heart damage and greater fatty build-up within their coronary arteries.

While these findings do not prove that gum disease causes heart disease, they provide further evidence that oral health and cardiovascular health may be linked.

Evidence from the UK

There is also UK-specific evidence supporting the association.

A large study using UK primary care records compared more than 64,000 people with periodontal disease with over 250,000 matched individuals without periodontal disease.

Researchers found that those with periodontal disease had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease during the study period. The association was strongest among people with periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease.

The New 2025 Clinical Trial

A study published in the European Heart Journal in 2025 looked at whether treating severe gum disease could influence markers associated with cardiovascular health.

Researchers followed 135 otherwise healthy adults with severe gum disease for two years. Those receiving intensive treatment showed improvements in several markers linked to cardiovascular health compared with those receiving standard care, including measures of artery and blood vessel health.

The study did not show that treating gum disease prevents heart attacks or strokes. However, it adds to growing evidence that looking after our gums may benefit more than just our oral health.

What Does This Mean for You?

The latest research does not mean that brushing your teeth will prevent heart disease.

Heart disease is a complex condition influenced by many factors, including genetics, smoking, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, physical activity and diabetes.

However, the findings suggest that oral health should be viewed as part of overall health rather than something entirely separate.

Looking after your gums is unlikely to replace established strategies such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. But it may be another reason to take good care of your gums.

How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

According to the NHS, the best ways to maintain healthy gums include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Cleaning between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.

• Avoiding smoking.

• Attending regular dental check-ups.

• Avoiding mouthwash immediately after brushing, as this can wash away the concentrated fluoride left behind by toothpaste.

These simple habits remain the most effective ways to reduce the risk of gum disease and support long-term oral health.

The Bottom Line

Most people think of gum disease as a problem affecting the mouth. Increasingly, researchers are finding that its effects may not stop there.

Large population studies involving millions of people have consistently found links between periodontal disease and a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Now, a clinical trial suggests that treating severe gum disease may improve several early markers associated with artery health.

More research is needed before scientists can say whether treating gum disease directly reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

But one message is already clear: looking after your gums is an important part of looking after your overall health.