Kev Patel explores the link between oral and cardiovascular health, from the latest research to how dental professionals can support patients’ overall health.
There is growing evidence that oral health can influence more than just the teeth and gums. Recent research has suggested that treating chronic dental infection may be associated with improvements in wider health markers, including blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation, all of which are relevant to cardiovascular health (Niazi, 2025).
There has also been promising research suggesting that effective treatment of severe gum disease may help reduce inflammation associated with arterial disease (American Heart Association, 2025). While this does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it adds to the evidence that good oral health may play a role in supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Oral health should not be considered entirely separately from general health. Conditions such as gum disease and chronic dental infections are associated with inflammation in the body, and inflammation is known to play a role in a range of long-term conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
How dental professionals can support patients’ cardiovascular health
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