Oral Health

Woman making heart hands in dental chair

The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Bacteria (germs or 鈥渂ugs鈥� that can infect you) that live in the mouth can cause tooth decay and infection that may spread to other parts of your body, like your heart, and could lead to heart conditions.

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.

Getting your blood pressure checked at your dental appointment

Find blood pressure resources to help you understand your blood pressure numbers and how to improve them.

Blood pressure measurement instructions

How to manage blood pressure

Printable blood pressure measurement instructions:

HBP how to monitor image

FAQs

Can a tooth infection spread to the heart?

Certain bacteria that live in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, like your heart. For example, viridans group streptococcal (VGS) can cause infective endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.

This means that a tooth infection (or a “bad tooth”) and poor oral health may lead to heart problems.

Is gum health and heart health connected?

It can be. Chronic (or long-lasting) gum inflammation can be connected to some chronic diseases (diseases that go on for a long time and often don’t go away completely), including heart diseases like coronary artery disease.

Research shows gum disease (or periodontal disease) may be connected to many health problems, including high blood pressure. Active gum inflammation (bleeding gums) has been shown to be connected to higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading).

Which tooth is connected to the heart?

Right now, there is no evidence that there is a connection, but there may be a connection between your oral health and heart health.

How can my dentist help me take care
of my heart?

Your dentist can help find a wide range of diseases, like high blood pressure (or hypertension) and refer you to primary care. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and health screenings is a great way to help care for your dental hygiene and your heart health.