A Deeper Look at How Oral Health Shapes Cardiovascular Well-being
Good oral hygiene is not just about having a beautiful smile. It is essential for overrall health, impacting everything from self-esteem to long-term well-being.

Oral health has been considered a niche concern for decades, but its impact on teeth and gums is limited. Yet, a growing body of research reveals an intricate link between the state of your mouth and the health of your heart. The idea may initially seem unexpected —how can something as localised as gum disease influence a systemic issue like heart disease? The answer lies in the subtle, often unseen pathways of inflammation such as swelling and bacteria that connect oral health with cardiovascular well-being.
Oral health may reveal more secrets about overall well-being than one might think. While many consider brushing and flossing merely a means to keep cavities and bad breath at bay, a growing body of evidence links dental hygiene to critical systemic health outcomes—most notably, heart health. A visit to the dentist may not just save one’s smile but could also protect the heart, reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Studies have shown that people with untreated periodontitis, which is advanced gum disease, are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those with healthy gums. This startling statistic underscores the importance of understanding and managing the connection between oral and cardiovascular health.In 1980, Simonka et al. related heart diseases to gum diseases, noting that patients with heart attacks were more likely to have gum disease.
Since then, many studies have examined this association. Human mouth is home to billions of bacteria, many of which are harmless or even beneficial. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, causing gum infections like gingivitis, or periodontitis. In simple terms, bacteria in the mouth increase during gum and dental disease, these bacteria can cause the vessels in and around the heart to narrow and harden resulting in severe heart issues.
Effect on the Pakistan Population
This has a particularly devastating effect on the Pakistani population. With the kind of prevalent oil and fat-filled diet in our society and an increased genetic predisposition to heart disease – we are already very vulnerable. Adding a third factor — ignoring gum and dental diseases in this ‘Trifacta’ – we end up as a population in a country with one of the highest burdens of disease when it comes to heart issues. According to the World Health Organisation, Cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases) account for 29 percent of all deaths in Pakistan. Also, poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease by a staggering 50 percent.
The Silent Saboteur: Inflammation
Inflammation has emerged as the key player bridging oral and cardiovascular health. When gum disease—also known as periodontal disease—develops, harmful bacteria infiltrate the gums and enter the bloodstream. This triggers a widespread inflammatory response as the body attempts to fight off these invaders. The problem is that chronic inflammation does not remain confined to the gums. Over time, this state of heightened immune activity spreads to the arterial walls, promoting the development of atherosclerosis: hardening and narrowing of the arteries. In simple terms, gum disease acts like an alarm system stuck in the "on" position, placing unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system.
Pathways of Risk:
Bacteria in the bloodstream
The story does not end with inflammation. Pathogenic bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream during activities like chewing or brushing if the gums are compromised. These bacteria attach to fatty deposits in blood vessels, leading to the formation of plaques. Once these plaques build up, they can restrict blood flow, causing conditions like coronary artery disease or triggering life-threatening events such as heart attacks or strokes.

One notable study demonstrated the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis—a bacteria commonly found in periodontitis—within the arterial plaques of cardiovascular patients. This discovery underscored how oral infections can migrate beyond the mouth, wreaking havoc throughout the body. Interestingly, the body’s immune system, in its effort to fight the invading oral bacteria, can inadvertently worsen the problem. The immune cells dispatched to attack bacteria in the arteries can damage healthy tissues, compounding the inflammation. Furthermore, substances released by the bacteria, such as endotoxins, can make the blood more prone to clotting, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

The connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis is supported by numerous studies. Research published in The American Heart Journal found that people with severe gum disease were twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to those with healthy gums. Another study in Circulation highlighted the direct presence of oral bacteria in arterial plaques, emphasising the biological plausibility of this link.
A Two - Way Street
The Heart's Impact on the Mouth
The relationship between oral and cardiovascular health is not one-sided. While poor dental hygiene can increase the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular conditions can exacerbate oral issues. For instance, medications prescribed for heart conditions, such as beta-blockers or diuretics, often cause dry mouth, a condition that reduces saliva production. Saliva is essential for neutralising bacteria and maintaining oral hygiene, its absence can lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Heart patients with implanted devices, like pacemakers or stents, are also at risk for infections originating in the mouth. This has led cardiologists and dentists to collaborate closely in monitoring patients’ oral health and heart health together.
What You Can Do?
Prevention and Awareness
The connection between oral and heart health might feel alarming, but it offers an empowering call to action. Preventive care plays a vital role in breaking this cycle. Regular dental checkups, daily brushing and flossing, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and, by extension, heart complications. It is equally important to share your medical history openly with both your dentist and doctor. If there is a family history of heart disease or are already managing cardiovascular conditions, it is important to inform the dentist so they can tailor your treatment to reduce risks effectively.
Looking Ahead: An Integrated Approach
The future of healthcare lies in bridging gaps between specialties. Advances in diagnostic tools, such as salivary diagnostics and genetic profiling, are already helping healthcare providers detect systemic conditions through routine dental exams. Collaborative care, where cardiologists and dentists work together, could soon become the norm. This approach ensures no aspect of health is overlooked, enabling a more holistic view of patient care. Beyond professional integration, awareness campaigns are playing a pivotal role in educating the public about these linkages. From government initiatives to digital health tools that track oral hygiene and heart markers, these innovations are making it easier for individuals to take control of their overall health.
A Shared Responsibility
As science uncovers more about the interplay between oral and systemic health, it’s clear that the mouth truly mirrors the body. Maintaining dental health is not just about avoiding cavities or bad breath; it is about protecting your heart, improving your quality of life, and extending your lifespan. By making oral care a priority, we are not just investing in our smiles—we are safeguarding the future. HH

The writer is a dentist passionate about raising awareness on dental diseases, combining her medical expertise with a commitment to educating the public for better oral health.
Email: [email protected]