The Mouth-Heart Connection

Aging and Oral Health

What You Need to Know About Apical Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease

Can a dental infection influence your heart health? According to a new umbrella review published in the Journal of Dentistry, the answer might be yes. The study, led by Talekar et al. (2025), dives into the possible link between apical periodontitis (AP)—a common dental infection—and cardiovascular diseases, the world’s leading cause of death.

By synthesizing data from 10 systematic reviews, this umbrella review represents one of the most comprehensive looks at how these two seemingly unrelated health issues might be connected.

Here are the top five takeaways you need to know:

1. Gum Disease May Significantly Increase Cardiovascular Risk

The study found that individuals with apical periodontitis are at a 32% higher relative risk and 83% higher odds of developing cardiovascular diseases. This includes coronary artery disease, stroke, and other major vascular conditions. While this doesn’t prove causation, it strongly suggests AP is more than just a local dental problem—it could be a systemic red flag.

2. Inflammation Is the Common Thread

The biological plausibility of this link centers around chronic inflammation. AP leads to a persistent inflammatory response, which can spill over into the bloodstream. This low-grade, systemic inflammation may accelerate atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries—a key driver of cardiovascular disease.

3. Evidence Is Consistent, but Not Without Limitations

The umbrella review highlights high heterogeneity among studies. This means differences in study design, population size, and diagnostic methods make it hard to establish a clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship. Still, the consistency gives the association credibility.

4. Current Clinical Guidelines Don’t Yet Reflect This Risk

Despite the growing evidence, most cardiovascular risk assessments don’t account for oral health status—particularly gum disease. Incorporating dental screening into cardiovascular disease management, especially for patients with unexplained or resistant cardiovascular symptoms.

5. More High-Quality Research Is Needed

The study calls for large, prospective cohort studies with standardized AP definitions and better confounder control. This will help clarify the “dose-response” relationship—i.e., does the severity or duration of gum disease matter? And can effective root canal treatments reduce cardiovascular disease risk?

Final Thoughts: The Tooth-Heart Connection Deserves More Attention

This umbrella review reinforces an important but often overlooked concept: your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body. Apical periodontitis, while common and often symptomless, might be a silent contributor to cardiovascular disease—the world’s leading killer.

Oral health assessments should be part of a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation. And for the rest of us, it’s another reason not to skip those dental checkups. After all, taking care of your teeth might just help protect your heart.

Contact Us

If you haven't seen a Dentist in a while, don't worry. You can make an appointment to see Dr. Esfandiari and get back on track with your preventative dental health care. Call the Ventura office to make an appointment 805-647-6100 or click here to make an appointment online.

Take A Tour

We've launched a video for you to see what's inside our Ventura offices. When choosing a dentist we know it's important to feel safe, comfortable and familiar with your surroundings. 



Why Composite Veneers Are Better Than Regular Veneers: 5 Key Benefits

composite veneers

Why Composite Veneers Are Better Than Regular Veneers: 5 Key Benefits

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, choosing the right toothbrush can make a big difference. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which one to pick. But don't worry, we've broken it down into five key tips to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, these tips will ensure you choose the best one for your oral hygiene needs.

1. Cost-Effective Option

One of the biggest advantages of composite veneers over regular (porcelain) veneers is the cost. Composite veneers are significantly more affordable, often costing less than half the price of porcelain. This is because the materials used for composite veneers are less expensive, and the procedure typically requires less preparation. If you’re looking to improve your smile on a budget, composite veneers offer an effective solution without breaking the bank.

2. Faster Procedure and Less Invasive

The process for applying composite veneers is much quicker and less invasive than that of porcelain veneers. While porcelain veneers require two visits to the dentist (one for impressions and another for placement), composite veneers can usually be applied in just one appointment. The procedure typically involves minimal to no removal of tooth enamel, which means less discomfort and a faster recovery time. For those who are looking for a quick smile transformation with minimal disruption to their daily routine, composite veneers are a great choice.

3. Easier to Repair and Maintain

Composite veneers are more convenient when it comes to repairs. If a composite veneer chips or becomes damaged, it can usually be repaired in a single visit without the need to replace the entire veneer. This is because composite materials are more easily molded and shaped in the dentist's office. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are more prone to cracking or chipping, and if damage occurs, the entire veneer typically needs to be replaced, which can be costly and time-consuming.

4. Natural Appearance and Customization

Composite veneers offer a high level of customization in terms of color, texture, and shape. Your dentist can work directly with you to create a veneer that matches your natural teeth and complements your overall smile. The material can be sculpted and adjusted during the procedure, providing a level of control over the final outcome that might not be as achievable with porcelain. This makes composite veneers an excellent choice for people seeking a personalized, natural-looking result that seamlessly blends with their existing teeth.

5. Reversible Option

Unlike porcelain veneers, which often require permanent removal of tooth enamel, composite veneers are a more reversible option. While some minimal reshaping of the tooth surface might be needed, composite veneers generally preserve more of your natural tooth structure. If you ever decide to remove or replace the veneers, the process is much less invasive, and your teeth can remain in good condition. This flexibility makes composite veneers a lower-risk option, especially for those who are uncertain about committing to a permanent change.

Composite veneers offer several compelling advantages over regular porcelain veneers. From affordability and ease of repair to customization and reversibility, composite veneers present a more flexible, cost-effective, and natural-looking solution for those looking to improve their smile. If you’re considering dental veneers but want to explore a less invasive and more budget-friendly option, composite veneers could be the perfect fit for you. Always consult with a trusted cosmetic dentist to determine the best approach for your unique dental needs and goals.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Esfandiari 

If you haven't seen a Dentist in a while, don't worry. You can make an appointment to see Dr. Esfandiari and get back on track with your preventative dental health care. Call the Ventura office to make an appointment 805-647-6100 or click here to make an appointment online.

Take A Tour

We've launched a video for you to see what's inside our Ventura office. When choosing a dentist we know it's important to feel safe, comfortable and familiar with your surroundings.