The mouth is called the “mirror of the body,” and there’s good reason for that. Research over the years has shown that poor oral health, especially gum diseases like periodontitis, can be linked to heart problems. When gums are swollen or bleed easily, it’s due to bacteria-triggered inflammation. Those same bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, setting off inflammation in blood vessels, a key factor that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A study found that people with gum disease had a higher risk of developing blocked arteries. The inflammation triggered by oral bacteria isn’t confined to the mouth, it can spread silently, damaging blood vessels over time.