Oral Health
The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health
Your dentist is part of your overall health care team
Your dentist may start checking your blood pressure
Act now to improve your oral health and heart health
Act now to improve your oral health and heart health
- Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque-forming bacteria.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients and reduce intake of refined carbohydrates like added sugars and processed grain foods.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use, such as dipping and chewing tobacco, cigarettes, vaping or hookah, as they can affect gums and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Talk with your dentist about recommendations to ensure your care is tailored to your health needs.
- Talk to your dentist and doctor or other health care professionals (your total health care team) about the connection between oral health and the health of your body.
- Share your medical history with your dentist, including current conditions and any recent behavior changes in oral health care routines or new oral health symptoms.
- Take your medications as prescribed and discuss the side effects of any medications, over the counter or prescribed, with your total health care team.
Oral Health and Heart Health Resources
Patient Education Booklet
Simple Daily Habits for a Healthier Mouth and Heart
Your Mouth and Heart are Connected
High Blood Pressure
Life's Essential 8
High Blood Pressure Guideline Top 10
FAQs
Sometimes mouth germs can get into the blood. This can rarely cause a serious heart infection in people with certain heart problems.
Yes. Studies show gum disease is linked to a higher chance of heart and blood vessel problems. That does not prove gum disease causes them.
Gum disease causes inflammation in your gums, and that inflammation can spread throughout the body. When gums are infected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This may contribute to inflammation in blood vessels and the risk of heart problems over time.
Yes. Gum disease is linked to higher blood pressure. Treating gum disease may help lower blood pressure a little for some people.
Dentists check blood pressure because many people see their dentist once or twice a year. A blood pressure check can help find a high number early, so you can see a doctor to check it again.
Oral Health in the News
What heart and stroke patients should know before visiting the dentist
Flossing may reduce risk for stroke and irregular heart rhythm
Health conditions a dentist might find that have nothing to do with your teeth
Could the path to better brain health involve better mouth care?
How oral health may affect your heart, brain and risk of death
Need another reason not to vape? Your oral health is at risk
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