The American Heart Association, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, has launched the Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative to raise awareness about the connection between oral health and cardiovascular health. The initiative encourages dental teams to take a total-body perspective with their patients, including simple steps like blood pressure screenings during checkups. The announcement was made via NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE.
According to the American Heart Association, oral health and heart health are closely linked through inflammation. When gums are inflamed, bacteria can travel from the mouth through the bloodstream, potentially contributing to blood vessels constricting or becoming blocked. This can force the heart to work harder and raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 46% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and more than 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by periodontal (gum) disease.
“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.”
To help individuals care for their teeth, gums, and heart simultaneously, the American Heart Association offers four tips. 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. Dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste and brushing gently to avoid enamel wear and gum recession. Second, eat a healthy diet and limit sugar. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, producing acid that can cause 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 can also harm dental health by drying out the mouth and restricting blood flow to the gums. Since these products are also harmful to heart health, quitting or avoiding them offers substantial benefits. 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.
The implications of this initiative are significant for both patients and healthcare providers. By integrating oral health into overall healthcare, dental professionals can play a more active role in detecting cardiovascular risks early. This collaborative approach may lead to earlier interventions, better management of chronic conditions, and ultimately, improved public health outcomes. For individuals, understanding the link between oral and heart health empowers them to adopt healthier habits that benefit both systems. To learn more, visit Heart.org/OralHealth.
