By Dr. Nimisha Ganeshkar, Dental Surgeon · 4 May 2026 · 5 min read
How oral bacteria reach the bloodstream
Inflamed, bleeding gums create an ulcerated surface roughly the size of your palm. Every time you chew or brush, oral bacteria and inflammatory products enter the circulation through it.
What the research shows
Periodontitis is associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis, endocarditis and stroke, and oral bacteria have been recovered directly from arterial plaque samples. The relationship is associative rather than proven cause, but it is consistent across large studies.
Patients who must be especially careful
Anyone with a heart valve replacement, congenital heart disease, or a history of infective endocarditis should tell us before any procedure — antibiotic prophylaxis may be indicated.
The simple protection
Brush twice daily, clean between the teeth once daily, and have a professional cleaning every six months. Healthy gums do not bleed.
Related treatment: Cleaning & Polishing in Hubli
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