(NaturalHealth365)  For years, dentists focused on teeth while most physicians ignored the mouth.  That dangerous disconnect may have cost millions of people their lives.

A gold-standard clinical trial published in the European Heart Journal just proved what holistic healthcare providers have warned about for decades: eliminating gum disease will help you to avoid the thickening of carotid artery walls – a key marker for cardiovascular disease risk and predictor of heart attacks and strokes.

Around 40% of U.S. adults ages 30 and older have some level of periodontal disease (gum disease) that progresses to wobbly teeth, tooth loss, and persistent bad breath.  As the disease worsens, pockets around teeth expand and fill with plaque and bacteria that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach.

Research has linked gum disease to Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.  But the cardiovascular connection is particularly strong and now proven causal.

Two years of deep gum cleaning revealed something cardiologists never expected

Researchers conducted a randomized trial at a dental hospital in London with 135 people who had severe periodontitis but were otherwise healthy.  They took ultrasounds of participants’ carotid arteries to establish baseline thickness, measured blood vessel function, and analyzed blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Participants were randomly divided into treatment or control groups.  The treatment group received intensive periodontitis treatment – a thorough whole-mouth clean plus deep cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar.  The control group got basic scale and polish, similar to regular dental cleanings without deep gum work.

After two years, the results were dramatic: carotid artery thickness was significantly lower in those who received intensive gum treatment.  This difference was “comparable to what has been seen with lifestyle interventions and some pharmacological agents in similar populations,” says study co-author Dr. Francesco D’Aiuto.

The treated patients also had better blood vessel function and lower inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in their blood, both known contributors to atherosclerosis (artery narrowing).

Why gum infections damage your heart

The mouth-heart connection isn’t mysterious.  Chronic oral infections create systemic inflammation that damages blood vessels throughout the body.  Bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that accelerate arterial plaque formation and increase cardiovascular disease risk.

“Our results reinforce the view that untreated periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for vascular ageing and possibly cardiovascular events,” D’Aiuto emphasizes.

Dr. Maurizio Tonetti, clinical and research periodontist at the University of Hong Kong, who wasn’t involved in the study, says the findings “are bringing the concept of these interventions into the preservation of wellness.”

“For many, many years, dentists have been focusing on the teeth, forgetting the rest of the body, and physicians have been focusing on the body, forgetting that there are teeth,” he explains.  “They are really two worlds that have been separated and need to go back together for the benefit of patients.”

Natural strategies for oral health and heart protection

Address gum disease immediately: Don’t ignore bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding gum lines.  These signals indicate an active infection that’s damaging your cardiovascular system right now.  Find a biological dentist who understands the systemic health implications.

Oil pulling: Swish coconut oil or sesame oil for 10 minutes daily to reduce oral bacteria.  Studies show oil pulling reduces plaque, gingivitis, and harmful microorganisms.

Nutrient support for gum health: Vitamin C (critical for collagen and gum tissue repair), Coenzyme Q10 (reduces gum inflammation and bleeding), vitamin D (supports immune function against oral infections), and omega-3 fatty acids (powerful anti-inflammatory for gum tissue).

Natural antimicrobial mouth rinses: Use therapeutic-grade essential oils like tea tree, clove, or peppermint diluted properly.  Avoid commercial mouthwashes with alcohol and synthetic chemicals.

Proper oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with non-toxic toothpaste, floss daily, use an oral irrigator and consider interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas where gum disease starts.

Address root causes: Gum disease often reflects broader immune dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic inflammation.  Support overall immune health through anti-inflammatory nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and eliminating processed foods and sugar.

Remove toxic dental materials: Mercury amalgam fillings and root canal-treated teeth can harbor chronic infections and release toxins that burden the immune system.  Work with biological dentists who understand safe removal protocols.

Want to discover what leading holistic dentists and health experts know about protecting your oral health and preventing systemic disease?

Get access to Jonathan Landsman’s Holistic Oral Health Summit, featuring 33 scientists and practitioners who reveal evidence-based strategies that conventional dentistry ignores.

Discover the truth about gum disease and heart attacks, hidden dangers of root canals, safe mercury filling removal, natural remedies for oral infections, the oral health-gut connection, essential oils for dental health, and how to find dentists who understand systemic health implications.

Sources for this article include:

Academic.oup.com
Livescience.com