Is poor dental care strongly associated with heart disease? | Fact brief

Poor oral health, especially gum disease, is strongly associated with heart disease.

The clearest evidence involves periodontal disease, a chronic infection and inflammation of the gums. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that’s usually caused by poor brushing and flossing that lets plaque build up.

The American Heart Association says gum disease is linked to higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease and high blood pressure. It says mouth germs and gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the body.

A 2025 AHA scientific statement said evidence supports an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, though shared risk factors such as smoking, age and diabetes complicate the question of direct causation.

A 2023 meta-analysis of 26 medical studies found higher cardiovascular risk among people with gum disease, with researchers noting that men and women appear to be similarly affected.