Bacteria from gum disease may cause inflammation, harden heart valves

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Research presented at the American Heart Association's 2026 conference suggests that bacteria from gum disease may contribute to inflammation and calcium buildup in the heart's aortic valve, potentially causing serious valve disease.

Gum disease bacteria may spur calcium buildup in the heart's aortic valve, leading to a common and serious heart valve disease, according to preliminary, independent research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2026, held in Boston, July 13–16, 2026.