The Claim
Chronic oral bacterial infection and poor dental hygiene are associated with calcification of heart valves and coronary arteries.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Chronic bacterial infections in the mouth and poor dental hygiene are linked to the hardening of heart valves and coronary arteries.
See the scientific wording
Chronic oral bacterial infection and poor dental hygiene are associated with calcification of heart valves and coronary arteries.
Bad oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to multiply in the mouth, enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums, and stick to damaged areas in heart valves and artery walls. These bacteria trigger lasting inflammation that causes calcium to build up in the tissue, hardening the valves and arteries.
What the research says
2 studiesPeople with more cavities and tooth loss were much more likely to have hardened arteries in their neck, which often means their heart arteries are hardened too — suggesting bad teeth may be a warning sign for heart problems.
Study: Oral Dysbiosis Is Associated with the Pathogenesis of Aortic Valve Diseases
This study found that bacteria from dirty teeth and gum disease can travel to the heart and get stuck in the heart valves, causing them to harden — which means poor dental hygiene is linked to heart valve problems.
Related videos
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 2 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.