Keeping your gums healthy protects your heart valves

Bacteria in the gums can damage heart valves, and that’s a life-threatening problem, say researchers at the American Heart Association.

The bacteria can cause a buildup of calcium in the heart’s aortic valve, potentially leading to calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS), which narrows the valve and restricts blood flow.

CAVS develops when the aortic valve gradually becomes thicker and more calcified, making it harder for blood to flow out of the heart. It is the most common heart valve condition, especially in older adults.

And it can start with chronic gum disease and infection. The researchers focused on the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the main culprits in advanced gum disease.

When they analyzed heart valve tissues, the researchers were surprised to see the amount of P. gingivalis DNA in the calcified areas. The bacteria essentially accelerate the calcification process from within the valve tissue.

Inflammation and oxidation caused by bacteria in the gums can also deplete vitamin C in the body, which weakens the heart’s defences even further.

“Bacteria from Gum Disease May Cause Inflammation, Harden Heart Valves,” Jul 12, 2026, newsroom.heart.org