The Gut-Mouth Connection: How Heartburn Medication Impacts Gum Health

Research from the University at Buffalo suggests a surprising link between digestive health and the stability of your gums. The study found that patients using Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)—common medications for heartburn and acid reflux—exhibited significantly less severe symptoms of gum disease (periodontitis).

As a practice focused on Complex & Medically Involved Care, we closely monitor how your systemic medications influence your oral clinical outcomes.

The Data: Smaller "Pockets" and Stronger Foundations

The study analyzed over 1,000 patients and used probing depths (the space between the tooth and gum) as the primary measure of health. Healthy gums fit snugly against the teeth, while deep pockets indicate bone loss and active infection.

The findings were striking:

• Severe Disease: Only 14% of teeth in PPI users had deep pockets (6mm+), compared to 24% in non-users.

• Moderate Disease: PPI users also showed a significant reduction in 5mm pockets compared to those not taking the medication.

Why Does Heartburn Medicine Affect the Gums?

While more research is needed, scientists believe the link may lie in how PPIs alter two critical systems:

1. Bone Metabolism: PPIs may influence how the body maintains the alveolar bone that supports your teeth.

2. The Microbiome: These drugs can shift the balance of bacteria in both the gut and the mouth, potentially reducing the "relative abundance" of harmful, gram-negative bacteria that drive inflammation.

Medically-Informed Periodontal Care

At CJ Henley, DMD, we don't treat the mouth in isolation. Understanding your full medical history—including your use of PPIs or other systemic drugs—is a vital part of our unhurried, two-hour new patient evaluation.

By coordinating with your medical team and understanding these systemic links, we can design more predictable, long-lasting restorative treatments that respect your body's unique physiology.

Reviewed and Updated February 2026