People often think of dentists and doctors as separate healthcare professionals, but the human body's systems are closely interconnected. Oral health is no exception, making dentists a vital part of your healthcare team. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, is encouraging dental teams to take a total-body perspective with their patients, recognizing that inflammation is at the core of the oral-cardiovascular connection.
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 more than 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by periodontal (gum) disease. These statistics underscore the importance of addressing oral health as part of overall health.
Simple steps like blood pressure screenings during dental checkups can provide a more complete picture of a person's 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 from 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 enamel wear and 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 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 to your doctor about your oral health. Share your medical history, discuss medication side effects and ask for personalized recommendations.
For more information on improving oral and cardiovascular health, visit Heart.org/OralHealth. The initiative highlights that integrating oral health into overall healthcare can lead to early risk identification and better outcomes, potentially saving lives.
