People often think of dentists and doctors as separate healthcare professionals: one cares for your teeth and mouth while the other handles the rest of the body. But the systems in the human body are closely interconnected, and oral health is no exception. This makes dentists a vital part of your healthcare team, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Oral health and heart health share a particularly close connection, with inflammation at the core. When gums are inflamed, bacteria can travel from the mouth through the bloodstream, potentially contributing to blood vessels constricting or becoming blocked. This may force the heart to work harder and raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 46% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and over 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by periodontal (gum) disease.
To address these issues, the AHA’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, encourages dental teams to take a total-body perspective. Simple steps like blood pressure screenings during checkups can give a more complete picture of a person’s overall health. If a member of your dental care team pulls out a blood pressure cuff at your next appointment, it’s a good 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 at the American Heart Association offer four tips to care for your teeth, gums, and heart simultaneously. First, follow a 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 wearing away enamel or causing gum recession. Second, eat a healthy diet and limit sugar. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria, producing acid that causes cavities and gum disease. Prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats while limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates. 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 offers benefits for 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 and discuss medication side effects to get personalized recommendations.
To learn more about improving oral and cardiovascular health, visit Heart.org/OralHealth.
