BOSTON - July 12, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026 suggests that bacteria from gum disease may spur calcium buildup in the heart's aortic valve, leading to calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS), a common and serious heart valve disease. The study, conducted by researchers at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, focused on the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, which plays a major role in gum inflammation and tissue destruction.
Currently, there are no medications to prevent or slow the progression of CAVS, which occurs when the aortic valve thickens and calcifies, restricting blood flow. Standard treatment for severe cases is valve replacement surgery. The researchers measured bacterial levels in human cardiac valve tissue removed during valve replacement surgery and found that P. gingivalis was significantly more abundant in valves with CAVS compared to those with other valve diseases. This discovery led them to investigate the bacterium's role in CAVS development.
In mouse experiments, repeated exposure to live P. gingivalis led to bacterial accumulation in the aortic valves, increased calcification, and symptoms of aortic stenosis. Preventive antibiotic treatment reduced these effects. The bacteria activated interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), an inflammation-spurring protein, in mouse valve cells. When researchers genetically deleted IL-1b in the 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,” said co-lead author Chenyang Li, M.D., a Ph.D. candidate at the State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Fuwai Hospital. “Good oral hygiene and treatment of periodontal disease are important for overall health and may also have benefits for cardiovascular health.” The findings suggest that treating gum disease and associated inflammation might help prevent CAVS.
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.” 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, including blood pressure screening and referral guides.
The study has limitations as 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 abstract presented at the meeting is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
