While gum disease may not be the only cause, it is a major factor. The inflammation and bacteria from gum disease harden the arteries and increase blood clot formation.
Gum disease and heart disease are linked due to oral bacteria having the ability to enter the bloodstream. This bacterial spread triggers the immune system and C-reactive protein (CRP) production. This can accelerate the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque and significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. While cardiovascular wellness is often associated with physical activity, whether it’s a morning run at McKinney Falls State Park or time spent outdoors, evidence shows that it also begins with optimal oral health. Here at Enamel Dentistry Easton Park near Pilot Knob, our team looks for the systemic link between your gums and your heart.
Medical literature supports that cardiovascular disease is relatively common in patients with periodontal disease [1] (Leng et al., 2023). In fact, research suggests that patients with gum disease have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events. Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation. When the body fights an infection for an extended period of time, the local inflammation can become systemic and impact other major organs in the body. Chronic inflammation causes blood vessels to harden and narrow, which restricts blood flow to the heart. Over time, this chronic narrowing can lead to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a heart attack.
The gums act as a barrier to ensure that harmful bacteria do not enter the bloodstream. When gum disease is present, the gums are unable to keep the bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Once the bacteria have reached the bloodstream, they can travel to the arteries in the heart or even the heart valves. Scientists have found DNA traces of oral bacteria inside the plaque that causes clogged arteries. These bacteria help form clots that block the blood flow, causing heart attacks.
Medical literature supports that chronic periodontitis results in higher levels of CRP [2] (Bansal et al., 2014). The liver produces CRP when inflammation is present in the body. Doctors use CRP as a marker to assess the risk of a heart attack. Untreated gum disease can cause a constant spike in CRP levels. By treating gum disease, CRP levels often drop, which signals a lower risk of cardiovascular issues.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has published numerous statements acknowledging the association between periodontal disease and heart disease. The AHA clarifies that gum disease has not been solely proven to cause heart disease, but they do acknowledge the two are linked. Therefore, taking care of one disease can lower the risk of the other. The AHA identifies the connection based on three main subjects: systemic inflammation, bacterial spread, and shared risk factors. Gum disease is chronic, and the inflammation does not stay local to your gums. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream during brushing or chewing.
Recent medical literature supports that in the treatment of periodontitis, there was a reduction in the bacteria entering the bloodstream, which helped to slow the thickening of carotid arteries [3] (UCL). Here at Enamel Dentistry Easton Park near Pilot Knob, our dental team pragmatically treats gum infections. Our team performs a deep cleaning of the periodontal pockets around your tooth with a procedure called scaling or root planing to eliminate the bacteria. Once the infection has been eliminated, bleeding should subside. This allows the immune system to stabilize and reduces systemic inflammatory burden. As a result, cardiovascular strain may be decreased. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, do not hesitate to reach out to our team here at Enamel Dentistry Easton Park for a dental exam.
Below is a table that compares treating gum disease and leaving it untreated.
Feature | Periodontal therapy | Untreated | Standard dental cleaning |
Systemic inflammation | Significantly Lowered | High | Moderate |
Heart disease risk | Lowered | 2-3 times higher | Unchanged |
Discomfort level | Low | Chronic pain | Minimal |
Cost | Moderate | Very High | Low |
Time investment | 2 visits yearly | None | 60 minutes |
While gum disease may not be the only cause, it is a major factor. The inflammation and bacteria from gum disease harden the arteries and increase blood clot formation.
Treating the gums stops the active flow of bacteria into the bloodstream. This lowers heart disease markers such as CRP. While existing plaque in the arteries cannot be scrubbed, treating the gums can prevent further damage.
Modern periodontal therapy is very comfortable. We use local anesthesia so you do not feel a thing during the cleaning. Most patients do report sensitivity for 1-2 days after treatment.
Dr. Hardik Chodavadia, DDS, provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Dentistry in Austin, TX. With extensive clinical experience, he specializes in preventive care, gum health, restorative dentistry, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. He is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based solutions that keep patients comfortable and informed at every step.
[1] Leng Y, Hu Q, Ling Q, Yao X, Liu M, Chen J, Yan Z, Dai Q. Periodontal disease is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease independent of sex: A meta-analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023 Feb 27;10:1114927. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1114927. PMID: 36923959; PMCID: PMC10010192.
[2] Bansal, T., Pandey, A., D D., & Asthana, A. K. (2014). C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Its Association with Periodontal Disease: A Brief Review. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR, 8(7), ZE21–ZE24. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2014/8355.4646
[3] UCL. “Treating Gum Disease Could Reduce Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes.” UCL News, 5 Nov. 2025, www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/nov/treating-gum-disease-could-reduce-risk-heart-attacks-and-strokes. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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