On World Heart Day, Dentaid —a leading company in oral health— together with the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the World Heart Federation (WHF), highlight the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health.

The “PerioCardio” campaign, promoted by these organizations, aims to help professionals and patients prevent cardiovascular health problems through oral care. As part of this initiative, a document has been published with recommendations for healthcare professionals, as well as a prevention guide for the public.

The mouth–heart connection

Numerous studies confirm that plaque accumulation between the teeth can inflame the gums, lead to periodontitis, and increase the likelihood of suffering a cardiac event. A recent study presented by the American Heart Association at the International Stroke Conference 2025 demonstrated that regular cleaning between the teeth is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation —the most common arrhythmia and one of the leading causes of stroke worldwide.

Despite these findings, the reality is that more than half of the population (64%) neglects cleaning between their teeth —the area where plaque builds up and causes gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities. According to recent data, 78% of cavities originate in these interdental spaces.

Caring for your mouth to care for your heart

Periodontitis is an inflammatory and infectious disease caused by bacteria in the mouth that trigger constant gum inflammation. This chronic state produces pro-inflammatory effects, alters the immune system, and promotes thrombosis. These biological mechanisms explain the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

It is crucial for oral health professionals, as well as general and cardiovascular healthcare providers, to stress that gum inflammation increases several biomarkers —prothrombotic and proinflammatory substances— the same ones involved in vascular damage.

“Ideally, patients with periodontitis should be informed that they are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as well as suffering further complications if they already have one of these conditions. It seems essential to actively encourage them to control risk factors that may trigger such cardiovascular events,” says Vanessa Blanc, Head of Translational Research at Dentaid.

“She adds: It is equally important to provide oral health education to all patients and establish a personalized oral hygiene protocol that includes brushing twice a day, interdental cleaning, and, when necessary, the complementary chemical control of plaque.”

Proper interdental hygiene

Interproximal cleaning can be done using dental floss or tape when there is no space between the teeth, or interdental brushes when there is space. It should be carried out at least once a day, before regular toothbrushing, and it is essential to choose the correct brush size for each space, following professional guidance.

It is important to use scientifically validated products, such as the brushes designed by the Dentaid Research Center, developed according to the recommendations of experts from the University of Heidelberg, a global reference in interdental hygiene.

A key reason to practice interdental hygiene is to ensure 100% of the tooth surface is cleaned. Regular brushing only cleans about 60% of the tooth surface —the remaining 40% requires interdental cleaning. Including cleaning between the teeth as part of a daily oral care routine is therefore essential to maintaining optimal oral health.