More than 46% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and over 40% of adults aged 30 and older are affected by periodontal disease, according to the American Heart Association. These two conditions are more connected than many realize, and a new collaboration between the American Heart Association and Delta Dental of California is working to bridge the gap between dental and medical care.
The Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative encourages dental teams to take a total-body approach with patients. This includes simple steps like conducting blood pressure screenings during routine dental checkups. According to the American Heart Association, inflammation from gum disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to constricted or blocked blood vessels, which may force the heart to work harder and raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
“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.”
The initiative offers four key tips to protect oral and cardiovascular health. First, follow a consistent brushing and flossing schedule: brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily to disrupt plaque-forming bacteria. Second, eat a healthy diet and limit sugar, as sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria that produce acid causing cavities and gum disease; prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Third, avoid smoking and tobacco products, including vaping, dipping, and chewing tobacco, which can dry out the mouth, restrict blood flow to the gums, and increase risks of periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Fourth, communicate with your healthcare team by discussing blood pressure with your dentist and oral health with your doctor.
For more information on the connection between oral and cardiovascular health, visit Heart.org/OralHealth. The initiative was announced by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE on September 21, 2026.
This news matters because it highlights the often-overlooked link between oral health and heart health, encouraging patients and providers to consider the mouth as an integral part of overall wellness. With millions of Americans affected by gum disease and high blood pressure, integrating screenings and education into dental visits could lead to earlier detection and prevention of cardiovascular complications. The collaboration between the American Heart Association and Delta Dental of California represents a significant step toward more holistic healthcare, potentially reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke through simple, preventive measures.
