Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Why Gum Disease Could Hurt Your Heart - AI Podcast
Jul 11, 2025
Discover the surprising connection between gum disease and heart health. Chronic oral infections, particularly from Porphyromonas gingivalis, can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and damage heart tissue. New research shows that maintaining gum health not only improves oral hygiene but also lowers cardiovascular risks. Practical tips include daily brushing and flossing, managing stress, and opting for a whole-food diet. Learn how a healthy mouth can lead to a healthier heart!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Gum Bacteria Affect Heart Rhythm
- Porphyromonas gingivalis from gum disease can travel to the heart and embed in the left atrium.
- This bacterium provokes scarring and electrical disruption, increasing atrial fibrillation risk.
Bacterial Scarring Weakens Heart
- Where P. gingivalis settles, heart tissue develops fibrotic scars and increased fibrosis markers.
- Infected animal hearts showed greater scarring and risk of atrial fibrillation triggered electrically.
Human Hearts Show Gum Disease Link
- Human atrial tissue from AFib patients with gum disease showed higher P. gingivalis levels and thicker scars.
- This confirms a progression from gum inflammation to cardiac colonization and damage.