Bad breath is often brushed off as a simple dental problem, but medical experts are urging people to take it more seriously. Dr. Pradip Jamnadas, an interventional cardiologist, has highlighted growing evidence that halitosis, or persistent bad breath, may be linked to heart disease. His explanation of the oral–cardiovascular connection underscores how the health of the mouth can reflect what’s happening in the rest of the body.
Dr. Jamnadas explained that the mouth and nose contain a complex microbiome that extends throughout the digestive tract, influencing overall health. He noted during his appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett that, “There’s a microbiome that goes all the way from your nose, mouth, all the way down to the anus; and each one is specific and can predict whether you’re going to get cardiovascular disease or not.”
Harmful Bacteria and Systemic Inflammation
The cardiologist warned that poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to thrive, which can enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation may damage blood vessels, leading to the buildup of arterial plaque and increasing the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. “If you have bad teeth, bad dental hygiene, and bad bacteria in your mouth, you’re going to get valvular disease such as aortic stenosis, premature calcification of your aortic valve, and coronary calcification,” Dr. Jamnadas said.
This growing understanding of the oral–heart connection is supported by findings from Harvard Medical School, which has reported that people with poor oral health—such as gum disease or tooth loss—tend to experience higher rates of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. Researchers suggest that bacteria from infected gums may travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and small clots that can lead to serious heart complications.
The Overlooked Role of Chronic Sinusitis
Dr. Jamnadas also pointed out that chronic sinus infections could play a part in increasing heart risks. Chronic sinusitis, which affects the maxillary and frontal sinuses, often causes persistent nasal congestion, headaches, and coughing. “Oftentimes, this inflammation is also linked to premature coronary artery disease,” he said, adding that fungal infections, in particular, may cause low-grade inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular damage.
He explained that such findings are changing the way cardiologists understand the causes of heart disease. “We have been so myopic in our definition of what causes coronary artery disease; everything in your entire lifestyle—mental, physical, eating—will affect your coronary arteries,” he said.
Why Early Detection Matters
The link between bad breath and cardiovascular health suggests that subtle symptoms can provide important clues about heart risk. According to Dr. Jamnadas, the mouth often provides early signs of disease elsewhere in the body, meaning that ignoring issues like chronic halitosis could delay necessary diagnosis and treatment.
The Harvard Medical School article also noted that while a direct causal link between gum disease and heart disease remains under investigation, maintaining good oral hygiene is still an essential preventive measure. Regular brushing, flossing, dental check-ups, and prompt treatment of sinus infections can reduce the bacterial load and inflammation that may contribute to cardiovascular damage.
Dr. Jamnadas urges people to consider heart health as part of a larger picture that includes oral hygiene, nasal health, diet, exercise, and stress management. His message reinforces the importance of treating the mouth as an integral part of the body’s overall health system.
While researchers continue to study how strong the oral–cardiovascular link truly is, both Dr. Jamnadas and experts from Harvard Medical School agree on one takeaway: caring for your teeth and gums isn’t just about avoiding cavities—it may also help protect your heart.
Dr. Jamnadas explained that the mouth and nose contain a complex microbiome that extends throughout the digestive tract, influencing overall health. He noted during his appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett that, “There’s a microbiome that goes all the way from your nose, mouth, all the way down to the anus; and each one is specific and can predict whether you’re going to get cardiovascular disease or not.”
Harmful Bacteria and Systemic Inflammation
The cardiologist warned that poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to thrive, which can enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation may damage blood vessels, leading to the buildup of arterial plaque and increasing the risk of conditions like coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. “If you have bad teeth, bad dental hygiene, and bad bacteria in your mouth, you’re going to get valvular disease such as aortic stenosis, premature calcification of your aortic valve, and coronary calcification,” Dr. Jamnadas said.
This growing understanding of the oral–heart connection is supported by findings from Harvard Medical School, which has reported that people with poor oral health—such as gum disease or tooth loss—tend to experience higher rates of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. Researchers suggest that bacteria from infected gums may travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and small clots that can lead to serious heart complications.
The Overlooked Role of Chronic Sinusitis
Dr. Jamnadas also pointed out that chronic sinus infections could play a part in increasing heart risks. Chronic sinusitis, which affects the maxillary and frontal sinuses, often causes persistent nasal congestion, headaches, and coughing. “Oftentimes, this inflammation is also linked to premature coronary artery disease,” he said, adding that fungal infections, in particular, may cause low-grade inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular damage.
He explained that such findings are changing the way cardiologists understand the causes of heart disease. “We have been so myopic in our definition of what causes coronary artery disease; everything in your entire lifestyle—mental, physical, eating—will affect your coronary arteries,” he said.
Why Early Detection Matters
The link between bad breath and cardiovascular health suggests that subtle symptoms can provide important clues about heart risk. According to Dr. Jamnadas, the mouth often provides early signs of disease elsewhere in the body, meaning that ignoring issues like chronic halitosis could delay necessary diagnosis and treatment.
The Harvard Medical School article also noted that while a direct causal link between gum disease and heart disease remains under investigation, maintaining good oral hygiene is still an essential preventive measure. Regular brushing, flossing, dental check-ups, and prompt treatment of sinus infections can reduce the bacterial load and inflammation that may contribute to cardiovascular damage.
Dr. Jamnadas urges people to consider heart health as part of a larger picture that includes oral hygiene, nasal health, diet, exercise, and stress management. His message reinforces the importance of treating the mouth as an integral part of the body’s overall health system.
While researchers continue to study how strong the oral–cardiovascular link truly is, both Dr. Jamnadas and experts from Harvard Medical School agree on one takeaway: caring for your teeth and gums isn’t just about avoiding cavities—it may also help protect your heart.
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