Did you know that bleeding gums can be a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a stroke?
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability globally, and consequently, in Portugal as well. Coronary artery disease is one of the most concerning conditions, typically caused by atherosclerosis—the build-up of plaque inside the arteries, which hinders blood circulation. In recent years, scientific studies have established a direct and silent link between oral health pathologies, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and an increased likelihood of the onset (or worsening) of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, atherosclerosis, or heart failure.
Periodontitis, which begins as gingivitis, is a very common chronic inflammatory disease with a high incidence among the adult population. It is characterised by inflammation and the loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth (locally), but it can also affect distant organs such as the heart. This oral pathology can weaken the arteries, increasing systemic inflammatory response and forming atherosclerotic plaques—one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. This occurs because toxins from bacteria that reach the bloodstream can increase blood pressure, and this inflammatory cascade can promote the formation of clots.
Now, let’s take a quick test:
- Do you brush and use dental floss/interdental brushes twice a day, every day?
- Do your gums bleed spontaneously, or when brushing/flossing?
- Do you visit your Dentist/Periodontologist at least twice a year?
- Do you suffer from bad breath?
- Do you smoke or have you smoked in the last five years, even socially?
- Do you suffer from any systemic pathology such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, or do you have a mitral valve or pacemaker?
The test above highlights the main risk factors for developing gingivitis/periodontitis: failing to see a dental professional twice a year, poor daily hygiene or lack of proper technique, frequent gum bleeding, smoking habits, and the presence of systemic pathologies.
Consult your Periodontologist/Dentist for an assessment, diagnosis, and a detailed, individual action plan. Make regular visits (at least twice a year) to your Dentist for effective prevention of gingivitis/periodontitis and to learn the correct home hygiene techniques. Adopt healthy habits; invest in yourself.
Controlling risk factors is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease: look after your heart by looking after your oral health.
Dr Janine Oliveira
5, May 2026
