Gums & Heart: The Unexpected Link That Could Save Your Life

​By Greenbank Family Dental

When most people think about heart disease, they think about cholesterol or blood pressure. But few realise that bleeding gums could be a sign that your heart is at risk.

At Greenbank Family Dental, we’re passionate about helping our community understand the whole-body importance of oral health—because what starts in the mouth doesn’t always stay there.

And your gums may be telling your heart something important.

The Mouth-Heart Connection.

​Periodontal disease—commonly known as gum disease—starts when plaque builds up around the teeth and below the gumline. This bacterial build-up triggers an immune response that leads to chronic inflammation.

But the inflammation doesn’t stop at your gums.

Over time, it can:

• Damage the lining of your blood vessels (endothelium)

• Allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream

• Contribute to the buildup of arterial plaque (atherosclerosis)

• Increase your risk of heart attacks and ischaemic strokes

In fact, the European Federation of Periodontology and WONCA Europe jointly confirmed in 2024 that periodontal disease is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

[Ref: Tonetti MS, et al., J Clin Periodontol, 2024]

How Gum Disease Reaches the Heart. When plaque builds up around the teeth, it triggers inflammation and deep pocket formation. Over time, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream—spreading inflammation and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Your immune system is like a battery. Chronic inflammation—like gum disease—drains its power every day. Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. It puts pressure on your entire immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to systemic disease.

What This Means for Australians

• According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 30.1% of Australians aged 15+ have moderate to severe periodontitis

• That number jumps to 59% in adults over 65

• At the same time, heart disease is still the leading single cause of death in Australia (ABS, 2023)

This means a significant portion of our population may be unknowingly placing strain on their heart—starting with their gums.

Lp-PLA₂: The Missing Link in the Inflammation Story.

​One of the most compelling discoveries in the gum-heart connection is an enzyme called Lp-PLA₂ (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2).

This enzyme:

• Is produced during inflammation

• Circulates in the blood attached to LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

• Is considered a predictive marker of vascular inflammation and cardiovascular events

Multiple studies show that people with untreated gum disease often have elevated Lp-PLA₂ levels—suggesting their vascular system is inflamed, even if they feel “healthy.”

And most promising of all?

In a U.S. pilot study led by Dr. Duane C. Keller, treating gum disease led to significant reductions in Lp-PLA₂ levels.

[Ref: Keller DC, AAP Annual Meeting, 2016]

Inflammation: The Common Denominator.

Chronic inflammation has become one of the most important themes in modern medicine.

And gum disease may be one of its most under-recognised drivers.

Inflammation from gum disease can contribute to:

• High blood pressure

• Disrupted blood sugar control

• Arterial stiffness

• Immune system fatigue

In this sense, gum disease isn’t just a mouth issue—it’s a whole-body health issue.

[Ref: Sanz M, et al., J Clin Periodontol, 2018]

“Big Wins Start with Small Habits” Brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups aren’t just for fresh breath—they’re your front line in reducing inflammation and protecting your heart. Your daily routine matters more than you think.

Lifestyle Matters: Small Changes, Big Impact.

​Here’s what’s encouraging: you don’t need invasive treatment or high-tech interventions to make a difference. Just prioritising your oral care can make a measurable impact.

✅ Brushing and flossing daily

✅ Booking regular professional cleanings

✅ Treating early gum inflammation before it becomes severe

Did you know?

People who receive regular professional dental cleanings have a 24% lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t.

[Ref: BMJ Heart Journal, 2012]

That’s a massive return on a small, preventative habit.

What You Can Do TodayIf you’re wondering whether your gums might be putting your heart at risk, here’s what we recommend:

• ✅ Book a comprehensive dental check-up

• ✅ Ask your dentist whether you show early signs of periodontal disease

• ✅ Look out for symptoms like:

  • Bleeding gums

  • Persistent bad breath

  • Gum recession

  • Loose or shifting teeth

Even if you don’t feel pain, inflammation could be silently progressing.

Final Thought

Your gums and your heart are more connected than you think.

By protecting one, you may be protecting the other.

At Greenbank Family Dental, we’re committed to a future where oral care isn’t just about teeth—it’s about total health. Stay tuned as we continue sharing what the science is telling us—and how small actions now could make a big difference in your future.

Greenbank Family Dental

Caring for your smile—and everything it protects.

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​ References

1. Tonetti MS, et al. “EFP–WONCA Europe consensus on periodontal and general health.” J Clin Periodontol. 2024

2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). “Oral health and periodontitis prevalence.” 2018

3. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Causes of Death, 2023.”

4. Davidson MH, et al. “Lp-PLA₂ as a biomarker of vascular inflammation.” J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52(5):371–80

5. Keller DC. “Pilot Study on Lp-PLA₂ Reduction via Tray Delivery.” AAP Annual Session, 2016

6. Sanz M, et al. “Periodontal disease and systemic health.” J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20):S1–S6

7. BMJ Heart Journal, 2012. “Professional dental cleaning and reduced risk of heart disease.”