‘Don’t ignore bleeding gums’: Dentist says poor oral health can be linked to heart disease, not just cavities

Bleeding gums are easy to ignore, but they may signal more than poor oral hygiene. Dentist Dr Mark Burhenne explains the surprising connection to heart health.

Bleeding gums are often dismissed as a minor dental problem, but they may be a sign of underlying gum inflammation that can have implications beyond oral health. Dentist Dr. Mark Burhenne explained in his July 31 Instagram post why bleeding gums should not simply be treated as a cosmetic concern and why maintaining good oral hygiene could be an important part of overall heart health.

What is the link between gum disease and heart health

Dr. Burhenne pointed to growing evidence connecting periodontal disease with cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association (AHA) first highlighted the association between gum disease and heart disease in 2012. More than a decade later, the AHA revisited the evidence in 2025, with newer research suggesting that the association extends to additional cardiovascular conditions, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

“My patient came in for a routine cleaning. Mid-40s, totally healthy, but she had bleeding gums. Six months later, she had a heart attack,” said Dr. Burhenne.

He stressed that such cases should not be interpreted to mean that gum disease directly causes a heart attack, but that persistent gum inflammation and cardiovascular disease appear to share important biological links.

How can gum disease affect the heart

Gum disease involves inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. When gums become inflamed or damaged, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. Researchers have also identified oral bacteria in arterial plaque, adding to interest in the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health.

“When gums are inflamed, the same bacteria driving that inflammation slip into the bloodstream, and researchers keep finding them inside arterial plaque,” Dr. Burhenne explained.

Chronic inflammation is another possible link. Persistent inflammation in the body is associated with changes that can contribute to cardiovascular disease, including damage to blood vessels and the development or progression of arterial plaque. “That low, steady fire in your gums keeps your whole body inflamed. Inflammation is what stiffens and narrows arteries over time,” he said.

Why bleeding gums should not be ignored

Bleeding during brushing or flossing is often considered normal, particularly when someone has not been paying close attention to their dental hygiene. However, healthy gums generally should not bleed regularly. “This is why I treat bleeding gums as a vital sign, the same way I'd treat a blood pressure reading,” said Dr. Burhenne.

He added that oral health is frequently viewed as being separate from the rest of the body, despite growing evidence showing connections between oral and systemic health. “We keep acting like oral health is cosmetic. It's cardiovascular,” he said.

Three things to protect your oral and heart health

Dr. Burhenne recommended three basic habits to help maintain good oral health: “Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups aren't just about a healthy smile, they're an important part of protecting your heart,” he said.

Regular dental visits can help identify gum inflammation and periodontal disease early, while consistent brushing and flossing can help control plaque buildup. Maintaining good oral hygiene is therefore an important part of preventive healthcare, even though it should not replace established measures for reducing cardiovascular risk such as managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, diet, physical activity and smoking.

Dr. Mark Burhenne has over 40 years of experience in dentistry. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in History of Art, and earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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