Oral Health

Your oral health may affect your heart health.
Watch the video in Spanish

The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Mouth germs and gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and is linked to inflammation in the body. Gum disease is linked to higher risk for heart and blood vessel disease and high blood pressure. Your dental team can help you take the next step. Along with caring for your teeth and gums, they may check your blood pressure to help you stay informed about your health.

Your dentist is part of your overall healthcare team

Dentist talking to female patient
Along with caring for your teeth and gums, your dental team can screen for health concerns like high blood pressure (hypertension). If your reading is high, they can refer you to a primary care professional to recheck it and make a diagnosis. Your dentist can also help you understand how healthy gums support your overall health.

Your dentist may start checking your blood pressure

Man getting blood pressure checked in medical setting
Your dentist may start giving different health screenings – like checking your blood pressure – to help you improve your overall health.

Act now to improve your oral health and heart health

Smiling woman holding hearts by her teeth
Taking care of your heart means that you are taking care of your whole body (or your whole health). Follow the steps below to improve your 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 healthcare professionals (your total healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare team.

Oral Health and Heart Health Resources

Patient Education Booklet

Oral and heart health connection guide
A visually engaging, magazine-style resource designed to help you and your families understand the vital connection between oral health and heart health. This approachable guide combines clear explanations with compelling visuals to inspire healthy habits and informed conversations.
English (PDF)
Spanish (PDF)

Simple Daily Habits for a Healthier Mouth and Heart

Daily habits that protect your heart and mouth guide
Your oral health and heart health are closely connected. The good news? Small, everyday choices can help protect both and keep you feeling your best.
English (PDF)
Spanish (PDF)

Your Mouth and Heart are Connected

Oral and heart health connection infographic
Germs in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and affect your heart health. Taking care of your oral health helps protect your whole body.
English (PDF)
Spanish (PDF)

High Blood Pressure

blood pressure readings chart
Learn about blood pressure, including how to measure your blood pressure and understanding your blood pressure numbers.
Understand high blood pressure and how to manage it
BP Wallet Card English (PDF)
BP Wallet Card Spanish (PDF)

Life's Essential 8

Life's Essential 8™
Resources to help you be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep, manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure.
Learn more about Life's Essential 8

High Blood Pressure Guideline Top 10

Man checking blood pressure at dining room table
Learn the top 10 takeaways from the new high blood pressure guideline: dementia risks, heart disease prevention, pregnancy concerns, when to seek emergency care and more.
See the Top 10

Your Questions About Oral and Heart Health Answered

Can a tooth infection spread to the heart?
Sometimes mouth germs can get into the blood. This can rarely cause a serious heart infection in people with certain heart problems.
What should I do if my gums bleed when I floss or brush my teeth?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of inflammation or gum disease, especially if the bleeding happens regularly. Brusing too hard or starting a new flossing routine can also irritate your gums. Continue bruising gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning between your teeth daily. If bleeding continues, make an appointment with your dentist to find out what's causing it.
Take the Next Step
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.
Why does my dentist check my blood pressure?

Your dentist may check your blood pressure because it provides important information about your overall health and can help your dental team plan safe care. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so a dental visit may be an opportunity to identify a reading that needs follow-up

A single high reading does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Ask your dental team what your numbers and whether you should follow up with your medical care team.
What can I do to care for my mouth and heart?

Healthy daily habits can support both oral health and cardiovascular health. Brusing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and keeping recommended dental appointments can help protect your health.

Share your health conditions, medications, and any changes in your health with your dental and medical care teams. Start with one habit you can work on today and ask your care team what else may be helpful for you.
Why do dentists check blood pressure?
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.
Which tooth is connected to the heart?
No single tooth is connected to the heart. The connection is about oral health, not one tooth.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work to protect my heart?
Most people do not. Some people with certain heart problems might need them. Ask your dentist or doctor.
Couple brushing and flossing together
Dentist talking to his patient
Family eating salad together
Tijana Simic/iStock via Getty Images

Oral Health in the News

The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental, is dedicated to bridging the gap between oral and heart healthcare. Learn more about our mission.

Delta Dental is proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative.
Learn more about Delta Dental(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window).

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Delta Dental is a registered trademark of Delta Dental Plans Association.