A recent clinical trial published in the European Heart Journal demonstrates that treating severe gum disease, or periodontitis, can slow the thickening of carotid arteries in healthy adults, which is a significant marker for cardiovascular risk.

The study involved 135 adults with severe periodontitis, who were randomly assigned to receive either intensive gum treatment or standard cleaning, and they were followed for two years.

The intensive treatment included thorough cleaning of the mouth and deep cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar, while the control group received only a regular scale and polish.

Results showed that participants who underwent the intensive treatment experienced less thickening of their carotid artery walls, improved blood vessel function, and lower levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in their blood compared to those who received standard care.

However, the study's limitations include its single location and the fact that all participants were otherwise healthy aside from gum disease, which may limit the applicability of the results to individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions.

Experts highlight the importance of integrating dental health into overall healthcare, as untreated gum disease could contribute to cardiovascular risk, and dental interventions might help maintain vascular health.

The findings suggest that managing gum disease could be a modifiable factor in preventing vascular aging and reducing cardiovascular events by lowering inflammation.