Many people view dentists and doctors as separate healthcare providers, but the human body's systems are deeply interconnected. Oral health is no exception, making dentists essential members of your healthcare team. The link between oral health and heart health is particularly strong, with inflammation at its core. When gums are inflamed, bacteria can travel from the mouth through the bloodstream, potentially causing blood vessels to constrict or become blocked. This can force the heart to work harder, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 46% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and over 40% of adults aged 30 and older have periodontal (gum) disease.
To address this, the American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, is urging dental teams to adopt a total-body perspective. Simple steps like blood pressure screenings during dental checkups can provide a more complete picture of a person's health. If your dental care team checks your blood pressure at your next appointment, it's a positive sign. "The mouth is a gateway to the body and can often reveal more about your total body health than you may think," said Daniel Croley, D.M.D., chief dental officer at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. "Oral health professionals have a powerful opportunity to integrate more into their patients' collective health care team beyond protecting their patients' teeth. By connecting oral health and heart health, this initiative helps dentists identify risks early and guide patients toward care that can improve and even save lives."
Experts from the American Heart Association offer four tips to care for your teeth, gums, and heart simultaneously. First, follow a consistent brushing and flossing schedule. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to disrupt plaque-forming bacteria. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush gently to avoid enamel wear and gum recession. Second, eat a healthy diet and limit sugar. Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria, producing acid that causes cavities and gum disease. Prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats while limiting added sugars and refined carbs. Third, avoid smoking and tobacco products. Smokers face significantly higher risks of periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Vaping, dipping, and chewing tobacco also harm dental health by drying out the mouth and restricting blood flow to the gums. Quitting or avoiding these products benefits both oral and heart health. Fourth, communicate with your healthcare team. Talk to your dentist about your blood pressure and your doctor about your oral health. Share your medical history, discuss medication side effects, and ask for personalized recommendations for caring for your teeth, gums, and overall health.
To learn more about improving your oral and cardiovascular health, visit Heart.org/OralHealth. This initiative matters because it bridges the gap between dental and medical care, potentially saving lives by preventing heart disease and stroke through simple oral hygiene practices and routine screenings.
