Gum Disease Bacteria Linked to Hardening of Heart Valves, Study Suggests

BOSTON - July 12, 2026 - Gum disease bacteria may spur calcium buildup in the heart's aortic valve, leading to a common and serious heart valve disease, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026. The study, conducted by researchers at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, focused on the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key driver of periodontitis, and its potential role in calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS).

Calcific aortic valve stenosis occurs when the aortic valve thickens and calcifies, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. According to the American Heart Association, early stages may be asymptomatic, but as the condition progresses, it can cause fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, heart failure, and sometimes premature death. Currently, the only effective treatment for severe CAVS is valve replacement surgery, as no medications can prevent or slow its progression.

Researchers measured bacterial levels in human cardiac valve tissue removed during valve replacement surgery, comparing samples from patients with CAVS to those with other valve diseases. They found a surprising abundance of P. gingivalis in calcified aortic valves. "Although it was not one of the most abundant bacteria overall, it showed one of the largest differences between valves with CAVS and valves without CAVS," said co-lead author Chenyang Li, M.D., a Ph.D. candidate at Fuwai Hospital.

In mouse experiments, repeated exposure to live P. gingivalis led to bacterial accumulation in aortic valves, increased valve calcification, and symptoms of aortic stenosis. Preventive antibiotic treatment reduced these effects. The researchers also discovered that P. gingivalis activated interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), an inflammation-spurring protein. When IL-1b was genetically deleted in mice, calcification and valve symptoms were significantly reduced even in the presence of P. gingivalis.

"The key message is simple: take good care of your oral health," Li said. "Good oral hygiene and treatment of periodontal disease are important for overall health and may also have benefits for cardiovascular health." Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chief medical officer for prevention for the American Heart Association, added, "This study adds to the growing evidence that oral health and heart health are closely connected." The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative provides dental care teams with education on the oral-systemic health connection.

The study has limitations as findings have not been confirmed in people. Researchers have started a clinical study to further evaluate the link between gum disease and CAVS. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026, held in Boston from July 13-16, 2026.