HI Cavities or dental decay are caused by microbes like streptococcus mutans, which are having potential in some patient to cause heart problems like sub acute bacterial endocarditis (SABE). this in part is also caused by a huge number of microbes which are seen in patients having gum problems. As, more the bad oral hygeine or dental decay more will be the number of scuh microbes in your body. BUT, the chances of getting heart disease because of dental problem, is most of the time SIGNIFICANT ONLY for the patient who are already having any pre-existing heart aliment like recent angioplasty/ rheumatic heart diseases, valve replacements, bypass surgeries, Mitral Valve Prolapse to name a few in addition with, uncontrolled sugar levels as in Diabetics. In a HEALTHY PATIENT, with all parameters in contorl, there is NOT ANY DIRECT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CAVITIES AND HEART PROBLEMS. in other words, we can say, it is only Statistically significant for the patient, already having any such problem.... Lastly, Getting rid of cavities or gum problem, by the way is better for overall health being. so you can get them treated, for better things rather than becuase of fearing heart problems.