Can Bleeding Gums Lead to a Heart Attack? Here's What to Know
Dr. Kalpesh Patel cuts through the internet noise with one hard truth: your gums could be telling your heart something.
There’s a lot of flying around on the internet these days.
But when a video claiming that bleeding gums can cause a heart attack at 35 goes viral?
You pay attention.
You pay attention.
And as someone who sees hundreds of mouths a month, let me set the record straight.
Yes—there’s truth to it.
And no—it’s not fearmongering.
This connection between your gums and your heart is backed by science.
The Tooth: What You Ignore in Your Mouth Can Hurt Your Heart
Bleeding gums are not “just a toothbrush thing.”
They’re a signal—your body whispering that inflammation is brewing in your mouth.That inflammation, if ignored, becomes chronic gum disease (periodontitis).
And once it reaches that level, it doesn’t stay put.Here’s where it gets real:
Researchers (including findings published in journals like the American Heart Association) have found that people with gum disease face up to a 28% higher risk of heart attacks than those with healthy gums.
Why? Because bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation in your blood vessels. That inflammation can contribute to the formation of arterial plaque—a fast track to heart disease.
So no, bleeding gums aren’t “normal.”
They’re a warning. A pretty loud one.
“But I’m Only 30... That’s Old People Stuff, right?”
Wrong.
At Active Dental, I see patients in their 20s and 30s brushing off bleeding gums like they’re nothing.
But your heart doesn’t care about your age. Inflammation is inflammation.
And poor oral health doesn’t take a decade to catch up with you.
How to Protect Both Your Gums and Your Heart
Let’s keep this simple:
Brush twice a day (gently, not aggressively)
Floss daily — bleeding at first means you really need it
Get dental checkups twice a year — no skipping
Treat gum disease early — before it reaches the bone
Eat less sugar, hydrate more, quit smoking
If something bleeds—don’t ignore it
And if your gums are already bleeding often?
See the dentist. Now.
From Dr. Kalpesh Patel — Real Talk:
Your smile isn’t just about how you look. It’s a window to your whole body’s health—especially your heart.
See you on your next visit (or sooner if your gums are trying to tell you something).
– Dr. Kalpesh Patel
Active Dental Flower Mound
“See you next post—real dental facts, monthly.”