The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are stewards of the gifts God has given us—including our health. In this light, oral hygiene is more than just a matter of appearances; it becomes an act of stewardship and a responsibility toward our whole well-being.
In recent years, science has revealed a profound connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease. What might seem like two unrelated areas—our gums and our heart—are, in fact, closely linked. For Catholics who seek to care for their bodies as gifts from God, this connection is worth exploring.
How Oral Health Impacts the Heart
“The mouth is often described as a window to overall health – and for good reason,” according to a growing body of research that shows a strong link between gum disease and serious heart conditions. When gum disease like periodontitis sets in, it creates an environment ripe for bacteria and inflammation to spread through the body.
Periodontitis is a severe gum condition caused by long-term plaque buildup. If left untreated, “plaque irritates and inflames gum tissue, eventually causing it to recede and deteriorate.” According to the report, this deterioration “gives oral bacteria easier access to the bloodstream,” especially through everyday activities like brushing, chewing, or dental procedures.
Once in the bloodstream, bacteria can attach to the inner walls of blood vessels, known as the endothelium, disrupting their function and potentially leading to dangerous systemic infections. In some cases, these infections can damage vital organs or even cause death.
In particular, people with prosthetic heart valves or congenital heart defects are at risk for infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart’s inner lining. “IE is a medical emergency requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment or, in some cases, surgery,” according to the research.
What Catholics Can Do to Protect Their Health
As faithful Catholics, we are called to honor God not only through prayer and worship but also by the way we care for our bodies and minds. The connection between oral hygiene and heart health underscores the importance of integrating physical wellness into our spiritual life.
“Systemic inflammation is one of the main ways oral health affects heart health,” the report states. Chronic gum disease raises inflammation markers like C-reactive protein and cytokines, which can damage blood vessel linings and lead to atherosclerosis—a narrowing of arteries that can trigger heart attacks or strokes.
Epidemiological studies back this up: one study found people with periodontitis were twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease than those with healthy gums. Other studies confirm that the more severe the gum disease, the higher the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Furthermore, many of the same behaviors that damage oral health also hurt the heart. Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor diet, and uncontrolled diabetes are all risk factors for both gum disease and heart disease. But the good news is that small acts of care—brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups—can make a significant difference.
As the article notes, “Maintaining oral health is a simple, effective and often overlooked part of preventive health care.” It is a small but powerful act of stewardship and love for the body God has entrusted to us.
An Integrated Approach to Health and Holiness
Pope St. John Paul II emphasized the “unity of body and soul” in his teachings on the human person. When we care for our health, we do not just preserve our lives—we honor the dignity and sacredness of our being. According to the article, “The mouth is far more than just the beginning of the digestive system – it plays a vital role in overall well-being.”
As health professionals begin to take a more collaborative approach—cardiologists asking about oral health and dentists considering heart risk factors—we too can integrate our physical and spiritual care. Whether preparing for Mass, performing acts of charity, or simply spending time with loved ones, good health allows us to live out our vocation more fully.
Let us see oral hygiene not merely as a routine task, but as a spiritual discipline—a way to protect the heart both physically and metaphorically. Because in caring for the body, we create more room to love, to serve, and to praise God with all our strength.
