How Your Gums Impact Heart Health: 2025 Research for Tennessee Families
Knoxville, United States – November 14, 2025 / Knox Valley Dental /
Last month, your gums were probably the last thing on your mind when you thought about heart health. But new research published in November 2025 is making doctors and dentists rethink how we look at the connection between your mouth and your cardiovascular system. Studies are now showing that gum disease may play a surprising role in heart health, linking oral inflammation to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Here’s something that might surprise you: about 42% of American adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and many have no idea. Meanwhile, research from Harvard Health shows that people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.
If you’re in Farragut or anywhere around Knoxville, understanding this connection could literally save your life.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Let’s start with some facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults aged 30 and older have periodontitis, which is the more serious form of gum disease. That’s roughly 64.7 million people walking around with an infection in their mouth that’s quietly affecting their entire body.
Here in Tennessee, where barbecue and sweet tea are part of our culture, we’re not immune to these statistics. In fact, research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that severe periodontitis is most prevalent among adults 65 years or older and smokers — two groups that make up a significant portion of our East Tennessee community.
What surprises most people is how common gum disease actually is,” says Dr. Dhiren Zaveri of Knox Valley Dental. “They come in worried about a cavity, and we discover they have gum disease that’s been progressing silently for years. That’s why regular checkups matter so much.”
How Gum Disease Actually Affects Your Heart
Think of your mouth as a gateway to the rest of your body. When you have gum disease, bacteria-laden plaque builds up around your teeth, and your gums become inflamed and infected. That’s where things gets interesting — and a bit concerning.
The bacteria causing the infection don’t just stay in your mouth. When gum tissue becomes inflamed or weak, bacteria gain access to the bloodstream. Once in your blood, these bacteria can travel anywhere, including to your heart and blood vessels.
But it’s not just about bacteria hitching a ride. Both gum disease and heart disease involve chronic inflammation, which contributes to many health problems. When your body is constantly fighting the infection in your gums, that inflammatory response doesn’t stay local — it becomes systemic, affecting your entire cardiovascular system.
The result? Inflammation can lead to the release of chemical signals that cause plaque to build up in arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. This fatty plaque narrows your arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing your risk for heart attacks and strokes. Researchers at the British Heart Foundation are actively studying how specific bacteria in the mouth can trigger these cardiovascular problems.
The November 2025 Study That Changed Everything
Until recently, most doctors acknowledged the connection between gum disease and heart problems but weren’t sure if treating one would help the other. That changed dramatically in November 2025.
Researchers at University College London published a groundbreaking clinical trial in the European Heart Journal showing that intensive treatment of severe gum disease helped prevent arteries from becoming clogged. This wasn’t just observational data — this was a randomized controlled trial with 135 adults followed for two years.
Here’s what they found: people who received intensive gum disease treatment — a full-mouth deep cleaning with regular follow-ups — had slower thickening and clogging of a major neck artery and better blood vessel function than those who only got routine cleanings.
The results were significant. After 24 months, participants receiving intensive care showed a 0.02 mm reduction in artery thickening, indicating a potential 10% annual decrease in cardiovascular risk.
“This is among the most robust evidence to date that oral and cardiovascular health are interconnected,” said Professor John Deanfield, lead author of the study. In other words, taking care of your gums might actually protect your heart.
What This Means for You in Tennessee
If you’re reading this in Farragut, Concord, or Lenoir City, you’re probably wondering what this means for you personally. The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable and treatable, especially when caught early.
The early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, is actually reversible with proper care. Daily toothbrushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse gingivitis. But once it progresses to periodontitis, the damage becomes permanent — though you can still slow it down and manage it with professional treatment.
Here’s the thing: gum disease is sneaky. The CDC reports that gum disease can often become serious before a person notices symptoms. You might have bleeding gums when you brush and assume it’s normal. It’s not.
Warning signs include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together
Simple Steps to Protect Both Your Gums and Your Heart
The beauty of this connection is that protecting your gums also protects your heart. Here’s what you can do starting today:
At home: Brush twice daily for two full minutes and floss once a day. We know flossing seems like a chore, but it’s the only way to clean between teeth where gum disease often starts.
Professional care: See your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. These visits catch problems early when they’re easiest to fix. At Knox Valley Dental, we do a thorough periodontal assessment at every checkup because we understand how important your gum health is to your overall wellbeing.
Lifestyle factors: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your gums and your heart. CDC data shows that about 62% of adults 30 years or older who currently smoke have periodontitis. Smoking dramatically increases your risk and makes treatment less effective.
Deep cleanings when needed: If you have gum disease, don’t put off treatment. The 2025 research shows that intensive periodontal treatment — scaling and root planing — makes a real difference in your cardiovascular risk.
When to See Your Dentist at Knox Valley Dental
You don’t need to wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice warning signs. At Knox Valley Dental in Farragut, same-day emergency appointments are available, and the practice’s philosophy of “Modern Dental Care + Old Fashioned Hospitality” means you’ll be treated with comfort and compassion.
If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, or if you’re experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, call to schedule an appointment. With sedation options available, even dental anxiety doesn’t have to stand between you and healthy gums.
The connection between your gums and your heart isn’t just interesting science — it’s actionable information that could add years to your life. Taking care of your mouth really is taking care of your whole body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can reversing gum disease actually lower my heart attack risk?
Based on the November 2025 UCL study, intensive treatment of gum disease does appear to reduce cardiovascular risk markers. The research showed that people who received deep cleanings had slower arterial thickening, which is associated with lower heart attack and stroke risk. While more research is needed, the evidence is promising.
How do I know if I have gum disease if I don’t feel pain?
Gum disease often progresses without pain, which is why regular dental checkups are so important. Watch for bleeding gums when you brush, persistent bad breath, or gums that look red or swollen. Your dentist can also measure pocket depths around your teeth to detect gum disease early.
Is regular flossing really that important for heart health?
Yes. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Since gum disease is linked to heart problems, and flossing helps prevent gum disease, it’s a simple daily habit that protects both your mouth and your cardiovascular system.
What’s the difference between a regular cleaning and deep cleaning for gum disease?
A regular cleaning removes plaque from above the gum line. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gum line to remove bacteria from tooth roots and smooth root surfaces so gums can reattach. The 2025 research showed that this type of intensive treatment makes a measurable difference in cardiovascular health.
Should I tell my dentist about my heart condition?
Absolutely. Your dentist needs to know about any heart conditions, medications you take, or cardiovascular risk factors. This information helps them provide the most appropriate care and coordinate with your other healthcare providers when needed.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned if I’m at risk for heart disease?
If you have gum disease, you may need cleanings every three to four months instead of the standard twice a year. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your specific needs, but people with cardiovascular risk factors should be especially diligent about maintaining healthy gums.
Additional Resources:
- American Dental Association – Periodontitis Overview
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Periodontal Disease Facts
- Harvard Health Publishing – The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Contact Information:
Knox Valley Dental
11840 Kingston Pike, Suite A, Knoxville, TN 37934
Knoxville, TN
United States
Dr. Dhiren Zaveri
https://knoxvalleydental.com/
