treating gum disease may be good for your heart

Treating Gum Disease May Be Good for Your Heart: New Clinical Trial Shows Surprising Artery Benefit

An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. While it might appear as just a cosmetic issue, it actually disrupts the structural harmony of your oral cavity — and may lead to long-term dental complications if left untreated.

The Study at a Glance

A randomized clinical trial conducted by researchers at University College London examined whether intensive treatment for severe periodontitis could impact the thickness of the carotid arteries—in otherwise healthy individuals. Over a two-year period, participants were closely monitored using ultrasound, blood tests, and vascular assessments

Key Findings

  • Participants receiving deep cleaning below the gumline and comprehensive mouth treatment experienced noticeably slower thickening of the inner layers of their carotid arteries, compared to those who received only a standard cleaning (“scale and polish”) .
  • The treated group also showed improved blood vessel function, along with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers in their blood .
  • These changes are as significant as those created by lifestyle interventions or even some medications, said Dr. Francesco D’Aiuto-a co-author of the study .
  • Notably, the improvements stemmed from reducing systemic inflammation, rather than reducing cholesterol—the classic pathway for cardiovascular interventions. 

Why This Matters

Thickening of the carotid arteries is a recognized marker for cardiovascular disease risk. By targeting oral inflammation, this study suggests that gum health may play a direct role in vascular wellness—an approach that has historically received little attention from the medical and dental communities alike

Limitations to Keep in Mind

  • The trial was conducted in a single London site, involving a relatively small group of participants—and only otherwise healthy individuals with gum disease were included.
  • Experts caution that these findings should not be directly applied to individuals who already have advanced atherosclerosis, as the effects might differ 

What the Experts Say

Dr. Marco Orlandi, one of the study co-authors, reflects on the results:

“The impact of what we are doing comes without going through the classic risk pathway.”

Dr. Maurizio Tonetti, a periodontist not involved in the trial, emphasizes the broader implications:

“For many years, dentists have been focusing on the teeth, forgetting the rest of the body, and physicians have been focusing on the body, forgetting that there are teeth… They are really two worlds that have been separated and need to go back together for the benefit of patients.”

Takeaways for Your Health

  • Oral health and cardiovascular health are more connected than we often assume.
  • This study underlines the importance of integrating dental care into overall health management, particularly for individuals with gum disease.
  • While more research is needed—especially among diverse populations and those with existing vascular diseases—the findings offer a compelling look at how preventive dental interventions might support vascular wellness.

In short: Prioritizing gum health could be a simple yet powerful stride toward preserving your vascular health—not just your teeth.

Not sure what’s right for you?

Visit SBM Dental Hospital, Bhanugudi Junction, Kakinada.
Let our Orthodontic experts assess your smile and recommend the best treatment plan tailored for you.

Call: 9705287777 | 9705387777