17/09/2025
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🫀 Treating Gum Disease Can Slow Artery Thickening
For decades, scientists have suspected that gum health and heart health are closely linked. Now, a landmark clinical trial published in the European Heart Journal provides some of the strongest evidence yet: treating severe gum disease can actually slow the thickening of arteries — a key early step in heart disease.
The study followed 135 adults with advanced periodontitis who were otherwise healthy. One group received intensive periodontal treatment — deep cleaning below the gums to remove infection. The control group got only routine cleaning. Over two years, researchers measured changes in the carotid arteries. The result? Patients who received intensive gum treatment showed significantly less artery wall thickening, along with improved blood vessel function and reduced inflammation.
Carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) is a well-known predictor of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Slowing its progression is a big deal — and the effects seen here were on par with some lifestyle changes and even certain medications. This means that gum care isn’t just about saving teeth; it could be part of protecting the heart.
📄 Research paper:
Orlandi, M., Graziani, F., Suvan, J. E., D’Aiuto, F., & Tonetti, M. S. (2025). Periodontitis treatment and progression of carotid intima-media thickness: a randomized trial. European Heart Journal. Advance online publication.
