Treating gum disease could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes

Intensive treatment of severe gingivitis may help prevent clogged arteries, supporting heart health and reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease and stroke, according to a new clinical trial by researchers.

At study, was published on European Heart JournalResearchers found that intensive treatment of periodontitis—a severe form of gingivitis—reduced the amount of gum inflammation and bacteria entering the bloodstream and helped slow the thickening of the carotid arteries, the main blood vessel that supplies oxygen to the brain, face and neck.

Changes in carotid artery thickness are known predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as angina, stroke, and heart attacks. The findings suggest that improving oral health could be a valuable public health strategy to reduce the global burden of CVD and related deaths.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes. Affecting approximately 40% of adults worldwide, periodontitis can cause bleeding, swelling and tenderness of the gums and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

While previous studies have reported mixed findings about whether periodontitis treatment can affect vascular health, this new randomized trial provides strong evidence that intensive periodontitis treatment can slow arterial thickening and reduce cardiovascular risk in otherwise healthy individuals.

The trial included 135 adults with periodontitis who had no known chronic conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either intensive gum disease treatment (a full-mouth deep cleaning with local anesthesia) or standard care that included routine scales and polishing.

Participants were followed for two years, with carotid artery thickness measured at the start of the trial, after 12 months and after 24 months. The researchers also measured vascular elasticity, arterial stiffness and endothelial function – key indicators of cardiovascular health that reveal an artery’s ability to dilate in response to increased blood flow.

After 12 months and 24 months, arterial thickening was significantly lower in participants who received the intensive periodontitis treatment compared to the control group.

Dr. Marco Orlandi, Co-Principal Investigator of the trial from the UCL Eastman Dental Institute and a consultant at UCLH, said: “After 24 months, participants who received the intensive gingivitis treatment had a 0.02mm reduction in the thickness of their carotid arteries. This is an important result, as a 1mm reduction corresponds to even a 00% reduction in disease risk—indicating that participants reduced their risk by approximately 10% every year”.

Professor Francesco D’Aiuto, Co-Principal Investigator of the trial from the UCL Eastman Dental Institute and Honorary Consultant at UCLH, said: “These findings offer compelling evidence that oral and systemic health are deeply interconnected. I believe there is a significant opportunity for GPs and dentists to work more closely together to re-engage the cards. The detection and management of periodontitis should be part of a wider strategy to reduce long-term health risks’.

Professor John Deanfield, Lead Investigator of the trial and Director of Cardiovascular Prevention at UCL, said: “This is some of the strongest evidence to date that oral and cardiovascular health are linked. Treating periodontitis could become a powerful tool for preventing serious heart and stroke events such as heart attacks and strokes.”

The findings add to growing evidence that treating gingivitis could be an effective, scalable and cost-effective strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease deaths worldwide.