Mar 11, 2026
3 min read
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association explains how dental health can affect the heart.Here's what cardiologists say.
Cardiologists say this simple habit helps reduce the risk of heart disease
The American Heart Association has released a new scientific statement emphasizing the importance of dental care and hygiene.
Poor oral health is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, the release said.
A large body of research supports this.
Heart disease prevention has historically focused on things like a healthy diet and regular exercise.But the American Heart Association (AHA) has released a scientific statement encouraging people to focus on a different area of their health to support their hearts: their teeth.
The statement, published in the journal Circulation, makes a strong case for the role of good dental health in supporting heart health.It's not about—it's an important part of protecting your heart.”
AHA's scientific statement is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects 40% of American adults over the age of 30.(The most advanced is severe gingivitis, in which the teeth can loosen.)
"We have known for a long time that periodontal disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease," says Yu-Ming Ni, M.D., a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA."It's not a relationship we talk about often."
Meet the experts: Dr. Yu-Ming Ni is a cardiologist and lipid specialist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California;Hosam Hmoud, M.D., is a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in Northwell; M.D., is a cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare; Hsun-Liang Chan, D.D.S., is professor and chair of the Department of Periodontics at The Ohio State University School of Dentistry.
The link between dental and heart health seems arbitrary, but there are a few things to consider.Here's what doctors want you to remember.
How does good oral health reduce the risk of heart disease?
There are several reasons why the health of your teeth can affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.Gum disease and poor oral hygiene allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation that can lead to plaque buildup and ultimately heart disease, says Hossam Hmoud, MD, a cardiology fellow at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital.
Gum disease itself is caused by inflammation, and the body reacts to it, Dr.Ni says."That inflammation can stress your heart arteries, just because of those chronic inflammatory responses," he says.Inflammation can also create plaque that can make arteries more susceptible to rupture, which can cause heart attacks and strokes, Dr.Ni says.
Still, "the exact mechanisms by which gum disease is linked to heart disease are not fully understood," says Hsun-Liang Chan, D.D.S., professor and chair of the Department of Periodontology at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.But because of this association, "maintaining good dental hygiene, along with regular dental visits, can mitigate these risks," says Dr. Hmoud.
It's not a new idea, by the way.Many studies have linked these diseases to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and more."In general, cardiovascular disease should be viewed as one of many modifiable risk factors," said Stephanie Saucier, MD, a cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare.
How important is this?
Although periodontal disease may cause chronic inflammation linked to heart disease, the AHA emphasizes that a cause-and-effect relationship has not been established.Thus, it is not clear whether periodontal disease is a direct cause of heart disease and other cardiac events in people with periodontitis.
Still, cardiologists say there seems to be some benefit to staying on top of your dental health to support your heart."It's not going to change things completely, but it's certainly going to be involved in changing the risk factors for heart disease," Dr.Hammoud says.
Dr. He disagrees."It can definitely affect your risk of heart disease, but it's one of many risk factors," he says. "It's not like having good dental health will eliminate your risk of heart disease, but it certainly helps."
Justin Zakaria, MD, MPH, report co-author and director of pediatric cardiology research at Texas Children's Hospital Heart Center, emphasizes the importance of your dental health first.Bad cholesterol appears to be associated with risk factors for heart disease."
How often should you visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular visits to the dentist to reduce the risk of developing cavities and periodontal disease."For people with undiagnosed gum disease, twice a year should be enough," says Dr. Chan.
Of course, if you have dental problems or toothache, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Another way to reduce your risk of heart disease
If you really want to maximize your heart health, Dr.Nee follows the AHA's Life's Essential Eight, which breaks down lifestyle choices that are good for your heart.This includes:
Eat a healthy diet that includes whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and cooking in non-tropical oils such as olive oil and canola oil.
Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week.
Sleep seven to nine hours every night.
Do your best to maintain a healthy weight.
Controlling your cholesterol, focusing on lowering levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.
Control your blood sugar.
Manage your blood pressure and do your best to keep it below 80/120 mmHg.
If you are concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor.They should be able to analyze your individual risk factors and make personalized recommendations from there."Anything we can do for our heart health is beneficial," says Dr. Zacharias.
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