09/09/2025
ORAL BACTERIA CAN TRAVEL TO THE HEART 🫀
As an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, I can’t emphasize this enough: the mouth is not separate from the rest of the body. What happens in your gums doesn’t stay in your gums.
🦠 The science:
Researchers have detected bacteria commonly found in dental plaque inside arteries and even heart tissue of patients who suffered heart attacks.
👉 How does this happen?
• Gum inflammation or periodontal disease allows bacteria to slip into the bloodstream through microscopic breaks in tissue.
• Once circulating, these bacteria can trigger inflammation inside blood vessels.
• Chronic inflammation accelerates damage, contributing to cardiovascular disease.
⚠️ This doesn’t mean oral bacteria directly cause heart disease. But it does show a clear biological link between gum health and cardiovascular health.
💡 The takeaway:
Prioritizing your oral hygiene: brushing, flossing, and routine professional cleanings which protects far more than your smile. It may also help protect your heart.
ORAL BACTERIA CAN TRAVEL TO THE HEART 🫀
Scientists have discovered something shocking — bacteria commonly found in dental plaque have been detected inside the arteries and even heart tissue of patients who suffered heart attacks.
How does this happen?
When gums are inflamed or diseased, bacteria can slip into the bloodstream through tiny breaks in gum tissue. Once in circulation, they may contribute to inflammation in blood vessels, accelerating cardiovascular damage.
This doesn’t mean oral bacteria directly cause heart disease, but their presence shows how strongly the mouth and heart are connected. Ignoring gum health could silently fuel risks far beyond the mouth.
Current research suggests that keeping gums healthy through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings isn’t just about saving teeth — it could also help protect the heart.
🧠Sources:
Lockhart PB, et al. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association? Circulation.
Tonetti MS & Van D**e TE (2013). Periodontitis and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Consensus Report. J Clin Periodontol.
