BOSTON - July 12, 2026 - Preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026 suggests that bacteria from gum disease may contribute to the hardening of heart valves, potentially opening new avenues for preventing a common and serious heart condition. The study, conducted on mouse and human cardiac tissue, focused on the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a key pathogen in chronic gum disease (periodontitis).
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) occurs when the aortic valve thickens and calcifies, restricting blood flow from the heart. According to the American Heart Association, it is the most common form of heart valve disease, and currently no medications can prevent or slow its progression. Standard treatment for severe cases is valve replacement surgery.
Researchers measured bacterial levels in human cardiac valve tissue removed during valve replacement surgery. They found that P. gingivalis was significantly more abundant in calcified aortic valves from patients with CAVS compared to those with other valve diseases. "We were surprised by how much P. gingivalis was present in the calcified aortic valves," said co-lead author Chenyang Li, M.D., a Ph.D. candidate at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing. "This unexpected finding led us to investigate its potential role in the development of CAVS."
In mouse experiments, repeated exposure to live P. gingivalis led to bacterial accumulation in 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. When researchers genetically deleted IL-1b in mice, calcification and valve symptoms were significantly reduced even in the presence of P. gingivalis, indicating a key inflammatory pathway.
"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." The study has limitations as findings have not been confirmed in humans, but researchers have started a clinical study to further evaluate the link.
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 education on the oral-health connection, including blood pressure screening and referral guides.
Additional resources from the American Heart Association include a scientific statement on gum disease and cardiovascular risk and a news release on dental flossing and stroke risk. The study was presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026, a meeting dedicated to fundamental research in cardiovascular science.
Statements and conclusions of studies presented at the Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
