Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts for Professionals
Individuals with periodontal disease face a 28% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular conditions.1
The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative is dedicated to bridging the gap between oral and heart care. It is important for clinicians to recognize the growing evidence linking oral health and cardiovascular outcomes. Integrating dental hygiene into preventive care strategies may help reduce systemic inflammation and improve long-term heart health.
Treating gum disease improves endothelial function and reduces systemic inflammation, highlighting the need to integrate oral health into cardiovascular prevention. Promoting oral hygiene and early periodontal care may help lower cardiovascular risk at the population level.
eModule
The Cardiovascular-Oral Systemic Link:
Collaborative care between dental and primary care teams supports patient education on the link between oral and cardiovascular health. This foundational course helps your team understand and address these connections. CE credits available for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates.Vodcasts
Periodontal Disease Unpacked: Risk, Diagnosis, and Collaborative Clinical Decision-Making
Blood Pressure Screening in the Oral Healthcare Setting: A How to Guide
Beyond the Smile: Why Blood Pressure Checks Belong in Dentistry
Additional Resources
- Association between dental floss use and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in American adults
- Learn about the importance of oral health and what CDC is doing to improve oral health in the U.S.
- More than just teeth: How oral health can affect the heart (PDF)
- Oral health and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A Review
- From the CDC, Oral Health Facts
- Periodontal inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease (PDF)
- Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report
More Ways to Engage:
- Support your patients in understanding the vital link between oral health and heart health by using our ready-to-print educational resources. These materials are designed for easy display in waiting areas and operatories, making them accessible and visible during patient visits.
- Explore all components of the American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative to bring integrated care to life in your setting.
Learn more here!
Delta Dental is a proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative.
References
- Hopkins S, Gajagowni S, Yusuf Q, et al. Oral health and cardiovascular disease. Am J Med. 2024;137(4): pp.304-307. DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.11.022