Can oral health (your teeth!) impact your HEART? Taking care of your teeth is not yet a proven way to prevent heart disease, but many studies have shown a connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and other serious conditions, including heart disease. The common thread between oral and cardiovascular health is inflammation. In gum disease, bacteria clings around the roots of the teeth and irritates the gums. In heart disease and stroke, it's plaque that builds up in arteries, potentially blocking blood flow.