A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026 suggests that bacteria from gum disease may contribute to the calcification of heart valves, potentially leading to a common and serious condition known as calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). The research, conducted on mouse and human cardiac tissue, found that the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) accumulated in aortic valves and promoted calcium buildup.
CAVS occurs when the aortic valve thickens and calcifies, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. In its early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic, but as it progresses, it can cause fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, heart failure, and sometimes premature death. Currently, no medication can prevent or slow the progression of CAVS; the standard treatment for severe cases is valve replacement surgery.
“There are currently no medications proven to prevent or slow the progression of CAVS. We hope our findings demonstrating the link between periodontal disease and CAVS will stimulate further research into new preventive and therapeutic approaches for this condition,” said co-lead author Chenyang Li, M.D., a Ph.D. candidate in the department of cardiology at the State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Fuwai Hospital’s National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College in Beijing.
The researchers measured bacterial levels in human cardiac valve tissue removed during valve replacement surgery, comparing samples from people with CAVS and those with other valve diseases. They found significantly higher levels of P. gingivalis in the calcified aortic valves. In mouse experiments, repeated exposure to live P. gingivalis led to bacterial accumulation in the aortic valves, increased valve calcification, and symptoms of aortic stenosis. Preventive antibiotic treatment reduced these effects. The bacteria activated interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), an inflammation-spurring protein. When researchers genetically deleted IL-1b 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. While it is still too early to recommend specific treatments for preventing CAVS, our findings suggest that periodontal health could be an important piece of the puzzle.”
Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chief medical officer for prevention for the American Heart Association, noted, “This study adds to the growing evidence that oral health and heart health are closely connected. For many people, regular visits to the dentist are their only connection to the healthcare system. That makes dental professionals important partners in spotting health conditions, including periodontal disease early - which can lead to quicker healthcare referrals and results, better health and lives saved.”
The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative provides dental care teams with professional education highlighting the connection between oral health and heart health, a standard blood pressure screening and referral guide for patients in dental settings, and educational materials for patients.
The study has limitations because its findings have not been confirmed in people. The researchers have started a clinical study to further evaluate the link between gum disease and CAVS. The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
