A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association details how oral health can affect cardiovascular outcomes and highlights how gum disease prevention and treatment can reduce cardiovascular disease risk
DALLAS, December 16, 2025 — There is growing evidence that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, rap, atrial fibrillation, syncope and cardiometabolic health conditions. Effective prevention and treatment of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, could potentially reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, according to a new scientific statement published today in the flagship journal of the American Heart Association. Traffic.
The American Heart Association’s new scientific statement, Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, includes new data supporting an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and updates the Society’s 2012 scientific statement. ACSVD, the leading cause of death worldwide, is caused by the buildup of arterial plaque (fatty deposits in the arteries) and refers to conditions including coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and aortic aneurysms.
“Your mouth and your heart are connected,” said scientific statement writing group chair Andrew H. Tran, MD, MPH, MS, FAHA, a pediatric cardiologist and director of the preventive cardiology program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “Gum disease and poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups aren’t just about a healthy smile—they’re an important part of protecting your heart.”
Highlights of the statement include:
- Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects over 40% of US adults over the age of 30. The earliest stage is gingivitis (inflammation of the gums due to oral plaque build-up). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming small pockets that can trap bacteria and lead to infection. The most advanced stage, severe periodontitis, involves extensive damage to the bones that support the teeth. teeth can become loose and fall out. This stage often requires surgery.
- Periodontal disease is more common in people with poor oral hygiene and other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressureoverweight or obesity, diabetes and smoking. The prevalence of periodontal disease is also higher among men, the elderly, people with low physical activity, and those affected by negative social determinants of health, such as lower socioeconomic status, food insecurity, and/or lack of access to health care including dental care.
- Although periodontal disease and ASCVD share common risk factors, emerging data indicate an independent association between the two conditions. Potential biological mechanisms linking periodontal disease to poor cardiovascular outcome include direct pathways such as blood bacteria and vascular infections, as well as indirect pathways such as chronic systemic inflammation.
- Numerous studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and cardiac death. Although periodontal disease clearly contributes to the chronic inflammation associated with ASCVD, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been confirmed.
- There is also no direct evidence that periodontal treatment will help prevent cardiovascular disease. However, treatments that reduce lifetime exposure to inflammation appear to be beneficial in reducing the risk of ASCVD. Treatment and control of periodontal disease and associated inflammation may contribute to the prevention and improved management of ASCVD.
- People with one or more CVD risk factors are considered to be at higher risk and may benefit from regular dental exams and targeted periodontal care to address chronic inflammation. Previous studies have shown that more frequent tooth brushing is associated with lower 10-year ASCVD risk (13.7% for brushing once a day or less vs. 7.35% for brushing three or more times a day) and reduced markers of inflammation.
- More research, including long-term studies and randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine whether periodontal treatment can influence ASCVD progression and outcomes.
- In addition, the role of socioeconomic status, access to dental care, and other social factors negatively affecting health should be explored to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies that can help reduce the prevalence and adverse outcomes of periodontal disease and ASCVD.
This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Committee of the American Heart Association Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in Youth. the Council on Clinical Cardiology; the Council on Stroke; the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences; and the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. While scientific statements inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations. The American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association’s official clinical practice recommendations.
Co-authors are Vice President Abbas H. Zaidi, MD, MS; Ann F. Bolger, MD, FAHA; Oscar H. Del Brutto, MD; Rashmi Hegde, BDS, MS; Lauren L. Patton, DDS; Jamie Rausch, Ph.D., RN; and Justin P. Zachariah, MD, Ph.D., FAHA. Authors’ disclosures are listed in the manuscript.
The Association receives more than 85% of its income from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations, and estates, as well as investment gains and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceuticals, device manufacturers, and others) also donate to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its scientific content and political positions. Total financial data is available here.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than a hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers worldwide, we fund ground-breaking research, support public health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke. Driving innovation and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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