The Connection Between Oral Health and Total Wellness

A 2024 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that people who received regular dental care had lower rates of cardiovascular problems. The study suggests that preventing gum disease could protect your heart.

More recently, a study published in Neurology® Open Access in October 2025 found that people with both cavities and gum disease may face a higher risk of ischemic stroke — the most common type of stroke, caused by a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. The study did not prove that poor oral health causes strokes, but it did find a clear association between oral and brain health.

Together, these findings show how oral inflammation can affect the entire vascular system, from the arteries that keep the heart strong to the vessels that carry oxygen to the brain.

“Oral health isn’t just about preventing cavities,” Dr. Logan said. “It’s a way to protect the systems that keep you alive and well. A healthy mouth supports strong circulation, sharper brain function and better recovery from illness.”

Common Risk Factors for Gum Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke

Gum disease, heart disease and stroke share many of the same risk factors, including:

• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking

Since these conditions are connected, when you improve one area of your health, it benefits the other. When you manage blood pressure, blood sugar and oral hygiene together, you can reduce inflammation throughout your body and lower your overall risk.

Daily Habits That Support Oral Health

You do not need to make big changes to see a benefit. A few good daily habits make a real difference.

1. Keep Your Smile Clean

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush. Take two minutes each time and reach along the gum line, where bacteria tend to collect. Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth. If you have trouble with traditional floss, try interdental brushes or water flossers.

2. Stay on Schedule with Dental Visits

See your dentist or hygienist every six months, or more often if recommended. Regular cleanings remove buildup that daily brushing cannot reach and give your provider a chance to spot early signs of gum disease or infection. Routine care can also help your dentist coordinate with your primary care provider if you have heart disease, diabetes or other conditions that affect oral health.

3. Choose Heart- and Brain-Healthy Foods

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. These foods support healthy gums and reduce inflammation in the body. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which feed the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseed, can help reduce inflammation.

4. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking damages blood vessels, weakens gums, and raises your risk for both heart disease and stroke. If you smoke, talk with your physician about resources to help you quit. Limit alcohol intake, which can dry the mouth and make it easier for bacteria to grow.

5. Share Your Health History

Tell your dentist if you have a heart condition, take heart medication or have experienced stroke symptoms. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can affect dental treatment plans.

According to the American Heart Association, regular brushing, flossing and dental visits reduce the inflammation that contributes to gum disease, heart disease and stroke. Good oral hygiene is an important part of heart disease prevention and supports lifelong wellness.

It’s Never Too Early, or Too Late, to Care for Your Teeth

Healthy habits start in childhood, but adults can improve their oral health at any age. Even if you have had gum problems in the past, regular dental visits and good home care can stop further damage.

The St. Charles Hospital Dental Clinic offers a full range of dental services and provides compassionate dental care for adults and children in the community, including those with physical and developmental disabilities.

The Cardiology Program at Catholic Health offers routine cardiac exams, diagnostic screenings, innovative heart disease treatments and cardiac surgery.

Find Care at Catholic Health

Find a Catholic Health provider near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362).