Periodontitis is associated with higher acute myocardial infarction risk

What the study found: The study found that periodontitis, a gum disease marked by inflammation and tissue damage, was associated with a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI, a heart attack). The authors also reported that several periodontal measures, including bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, probing depth, radiographic bone loss, and remaining bone height, were associated with AMI risk.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that periodontitis may be relevant to oral and cardiovascular health together, and they say integrated prevention strategies are important. They also state that prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm causality.
What the researchers tested: The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. They searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through September 25, 2025, included observational studies, and used random-effects models, sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses, and publication-bias analyses.
What worked and what didn't: Across 17 studies with 146,001 participants and 3,199 AMI cases, periodontitis was associated with increased AMI risk (pooled OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.51–2.23). Sensitivity analyses supported the result; publication bias was detected, but the trim-and-fill adjustment still showed a positive association (adjusted OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03–1.55).
What to keep in mind: The evidence came from observational studies, so the abstract does not establish causality. The authors also report substantial heterogeneity (I² = 83.3%) and note publication bias in the available studies.

Key points

• Periodontitis was associated with a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction.
• The meta-analysis included 17 observational studies with 146,001 participants.
• The pooled association estimate was OR = 1.84 (95% CI = 1.51–2.23).
• Several periodontal measures were also associated with AMI risk, including BOP, CAL, PD, RBL, and RBH.
• Publication bias was detected, but the adjusted analysis still showed a positive association.