PDS Health Notes Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health During American Heart Month

American Heart Month, observed every February, serves as an important reminder to focus on cardiovascular health and the everyday habits that help protect the heart. This year, PDS Health is drawing attention to a connection that is often overlooked but increasingly supported by scientific research: the powerful link between oral health and heart health. By highlighting this relationship, PDS Health aims to encourage a more integrated, preventive approach to overall wellness—one that starts with the mouth but benefits the entire body.

Understanding the Oral-Systemic Health Connection

For many years, oral health was viewed as separate from the rest of the body. Today, medical and dental professionals know that this separation is artificial. The mouth is a gateway to the body, and conditions affecting oral health can influence systemic health, including the cardiovascular system.

One of the most significant oral health conditions connected to heart disease is periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria that build up along the gumline. If left untreated, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.

PDS Health emphasizes that while gum disease does not directly cause heart disease, the two conditions share common risk factors and biological pathways, making oral health an essential component of heart health management.

How Gum Disease Impacts the Heart

Research suggests that bacteria from infected gums can travel through the bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in the arteries. This process may contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries. Over time, restricted blood flow increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Inflammation plays a central role in this process. When the body is constantly fighting infection in the gums, inflammatory markers remain elevated. These markers are also linked to cardiovascular events. PDS Health highlights that controlling oral inflammation through regular dental care may help reduce the overall inflammatory burden on the body.

Shared Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore

Another reason oral and heart health are closely connected is that they share many of the same risk factors. These include:

Smoking and tobacco use

Poor nutrition and high sugar intake

Diabetes

Obesity

Chronic stress

Poor access to preventive healthcare

PDS Health advocates for addressing these risk factors holistically rather than treating oral and cardiovascular health as separate concerns. For example, managing diabetes effectively can improve gum health while also reducing the risk of heart complications.

Prevention Starts With Daily Habits

During American Heart Month, PDS Health encourages individuals to view their daily oral care routine as part of their heart-healthy lifestyle. Simple habits can make a significant difference, including:

Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth

Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings

Avoiding tobacco products

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

These habits not only protect teeth and gums but also reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation that may impact cardiovascular health.

The Role of Integrated Healthcare

One of the key messages PDS Health is promoting is the importance of integrated care. By fostering collaboration between dental and medical professionals, patients can receive more comprehensive care that addresses underlying health risks early.

Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to notice signs of systemic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, which are closely linked to heart disease. Regular dental visits can serve as an early warning system, prompting timely medical follow-up when necessary.

PDS Health’s integrated model aims to break down silos between dental and medical care, helping patients understand that oral health is not optional—it is foundational to overall wellness.

Why American Heart Month Is the Perfect Time for Awareness

American Heart Month provides an ideal platform to educate the public about lesser-known contributors to heart disease. While exercise, diet, and blood pressure management are widely discussed, oral health often receives far less attention.

By spotlighting the oral-heart connection, PDS Health hopes to empower individuals with knowledge that leads to preventive action. Awareness is the first step toward behavior change, and even small improvements in oral hygiene can have long-term health benefits.

A Healthier Future Starts With a Smile

The message from PDS Health during American Heart Month is clear: a healthy heart and a healthy mouth go hand in hand. Oral health is not just about a confident smile—it is a vital part of maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions.

As research continues to strengthen the link between oral and systemic health, taking care of your teeth and gums becomes more than a cosmetic or routine concern. It becomes an investment in your heart, your longevity, and your quality of life.

This American Heart Month, PDS Health encourages everyone to look beyond the traditional definition of heart health and recognize the role that oral care plays in protecting the body from the inside out. After all, a healthier heart may begin with something as simple—and powerful—as daily oral care.