A Healthy Smile, A Healthy Heart: The Hidden Connection

Good oral health isn’t just about maintaining a bright smile, it may also play a role in protecting your heart. According to the medical and dental experts at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, infection and inflammation in the mouth (especially from gum disease) may be linked to conditions such as heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke.

When the tissues around your teeth (gums) becomes inflamed because of poor oral care, the bacteria and the body’s inflammatory response can enter the bloodstream. The mouth is a gateway to the body and while this connection does not prove that poor dental health causes heart disease, it does suggest that maintaining good oral health is part of a holistic approach to cardiovascular wellbeing.

Top Tips

• Brush your teeth twice a day, using a smear of fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. If your gums are unhealthy, you may need more frequent visits.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle overall, because heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and poor diet also intersect with oral health.

New Benefit

DeCare have a new benefit* for people diagnosed with heart disease. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease and hold a Healthy Smiles Level 3 (or higher) or Team Care Level 2 (or higher) plan, you’ll receive an additional dental cleaning at no extra cost.

This is designed to support the link between good oral hygiene and overall cardiovascular health, helping you maintain both a healthy smile and a healthy heart.

*Effective 1st January 2026