Achieving and maintaining good oral health is important to optimal general health and may reduce the incidence of some cardiac infections such as infective (bacterial) endocarditis. 

Recently, some have suggested a relationship exists between oral bacteria and cardiovascular disease.  While there are conflicting data regarding this hypothesis, no substantial evidence has been presented that oral microorganisms are etiologic for cardiovascular disease, nor that they cause or exacerbate acute cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina or death. 

Clarifying the role, if any, of oral bacteria in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease will require further research.  At this time, promoting dental treatment expressly to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or acute cardiovascular events is not recommended.