Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Published: December 16, 2025

Illustration of periodontal anatomy: healthy and diseased state
  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of death globally; in the U.S., it accounts for more deaths annually than cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined.
  • A 2012 AHA scientific statement concluded that periodontal disease is associated with ASCVD but called for more robust evidence on clinical outcomes and treatment effects.
  • This updated statement builds on prior evidence, highlighting new data supporting an association between periodontal disease and ASCVD, while emphasizing potential mechanisms and gaps.