Illustration symbolizing the connection between gum health and heart health.

Gum Health Check: Can Scaling and Root Planing Improve More Than Just Your Smile?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how treating periodontitis can lead to surprising improvements in your lipid profile, potentially lowering your risk for heart disease."

It’s often said that oral health is a window to overall health, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to the link between your gums and your heart. Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, doesn't just threaten your teeth; it can also impact your cardiovascular health. The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis can release inflammatory cytokines into the bloodstream, potentially affecting cholesterol levels and thyroid function.

While the connection between gum disease and heart health is becoming increasingly clear, understanding how specific periodontal treatments affect other health markers is crucial. Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is a common procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. But can this localized treatment have a broader impact on your overall health?

Emerging research suggests that improving your periodontal status through scaling and root planing may have a positive ripple effect, influencing serum lipid and thyroid profiles. Let's dive into the details of a study that investigated these intriguing connections and explore what it could mean for your health.

The Study: Deep Cleaning for a Healthier Heart?

Illustration symbolizing the connection between gum health and heart health.

A recent study published in Internal Medicine: Open Access, investigated the effects of scaling and root planing on serum lipid and thyroid profiles in individuals with chronic periodontitis. Thirty participants with chronic periodontitis underwent full-mouth scaling and root planing, without antibiotics or mouthwashes. Researchers then measured periodontal parameters (like gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth) and metabolic parameters (fasting serum lipid profile and thyroid profiles) at baseline and 90 days post-treatment.

The results showed significant improvements in periodontal health following scaling and root planing. But the surprises didn't stop there. Participants also experienced:

Significant decreases in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride levels.
Significant increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (the "good" cholesterol).
A decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
No significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL (the "bad" cholesterol), triiodothyronine (T3), or thyroxine (T4) levels.

These findings suggest that improving periodontal health through scaling and root planing can positively influence serum lipid profiles, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. While the effects on thyroid status were less pronounced, the decrease in TSH levels warrants further investigation.

What Does This Mean for You?

The study reinforces the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking treatment for gum disease. Scaling and root planing can offer more than just a brighter smile; they may contribute to a healthier heart and overall well-being. If you have periodontitis, talk to your dentist about whether scaling and root planing are right for you. Additionally, discuss your cardiovascular risk factors with your healthcare provider to determine if further monitoring or treatment is necessary. Remember, a healthy mouth can be a vital step towards a healthier you.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2165-8048.1000233, Alternate LINK

Title: Comparison Of Serum Lipid And Thyroid Profiles Before And After Scaling And Root Planning In Periodontitis Subjects

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Internal Medicine: Open Access

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Krishan Kc, Rajesh Kt, Mohan L, Anupama B, Sukanya M

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing, often referred to as deep cleaning, is a dental procedure aimed at removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This process reduces the inflammation caused by periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. The procedure's significance lies in its ability to address the root cause of the issue, thereby potentially improving overall health indicators such as lipid and thyroid profiles.

Why is periodontitis significant?

Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, has implications beyond oral health. It involves inflammation and bacteria that can release inflammatory cytokines into the bloodstream, which may affect cholesterol levels and thyroid function. Untreated periodontitis can thus have a negative impact on cardiovascular health and other systemic processes. Its presence underscores the importance of timely dental care.

What parameters were measured in the study?

The study measured periodontal parameters like gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth to assess the severity of gum disease. Additionally, metabolic parameters, including fasting serum lipid profile and thyroid profiles, were monitored. The results revealed improvements in both periodontal and metabolic markers following the intervention of scaling and root planing.

What were the main findings of the study on scaling and root planing?

The study indicated that scaling and root planing can lead to several positive changes. Participants experienced decreases in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride levels, as well as increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, often called the "good" cholesterol. Also, there was a decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. These findings collectively suggest a potential reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

What does this mean for my health?

The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking treatment for gum disease. It suggests that scaling and root planing may lead to a healthier heart and overall well-being. Individuals with periodontitis should discuss scaling and root planing with their dentist. Further, they should discuss cardiovascular risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine if additional monitoring or treatment is necessary.