The Surprising Link Between Your Dental Health and Heart Disease

For years, heart disease prevention has centered on diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. But a growing body of research reveals another crucial factor: your oral health. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently emphasized the significant connection between dental care and heart health, urging individuals to prioritize both for overall well-being.

How Are Your Mouth and Heart Connected?

“Your mouth and your heart are connected,” explains Andrew H. Tran, M.D., M.P.H., a cardiologist and director of the preventive cardiology program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups aren’t just about a healthy smile—they’re an important part of protecting your heart.”

The AHA’s scientific statement focuses on periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 40% of American adults over age 30. This condition begins as gingivitis – inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup – and can progress to periodontitis, where gums recede and pockets form, trapping bacteria and leading to infection.

The Role of Inflammation

Periodontal disease contributes to systemic inflammation, which can stress the arteries of the heart and potentially make plaque buildup more vulnerable to rupture, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Yu-Ming Ni, M.D., a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute, notes, “We’ve known for quite some time that periodontal disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It’s just not a relationship that we commonly discuss.”

Bacteria from gum disease can also enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation and potentially leading to heart disease.

What Does the Research Show?

Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and even cardiac death. While a direct cause-and-effect relationship hasn’t been definitively established, the association is strong enough for cardiologists to recommend prioritizing dental health as part of a comprehensive heart disease prevention strategy.

“periodontal disease should be viewed as one of many modifiable risk factors,” says Stephanie Saucier, M.D., a cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare.

How Often Should You See the Dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental visits to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. For individuals without gum disease, two cleanings per year are generally sufficient. Yet, those with a history of periodontal disease may benefit from three to four cleanings annually.

The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Initiative

The American Heart Association, in collaboration with Delta Dental, has launched the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative. This program aims to integrate blood pressure screenings into routine dental care, enabling earlier detection of cardiovascular risk factors and improved patient care coordination. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify elevated blood pressure, as approximately 29 million people visit a dentist each year without seeing a medical doctor.

Beyond Dental Health: The AHA’s Life’s Essential Eight

To maximize heart health, experts recommend following the AHA’s Life’s Essential Eight:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
• Engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Obtain 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Control cholesterol levels.
• Manage blood sugar.
• Manage blood pressure.

“Each thing we can do to help our heart health is of benefit,” says Justin Zachariah, M.D., M.P.H., statement co-author and director of research, Pediatric Cardiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Heart Center.