The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative, developed in partnership with Delta Dental, expands care settings to provide equitable, high-quality, integrated care.
Dallas, January 16, 2024 — A patient’s oral health can be an indicator of their overall health and well-being. Research shows that chronic gum inflammation may be associated with other chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease and diabetes.[1] Additionally, certain bacteria that live in the mouth can travel to other parts of the body, such as the heart and lungs, through the bloodstream. Oral bacteria, including viridans group streptococcus (VGS), can cause infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s lining or heart valves.[2] American Heart Association’s New Healthy Smiles, Healthy HeartsTM Developed in partnership with Delta Dental, this initiative will help patients nationwide by expanding access to equitable and integrated care and educating patients and clinicians about the relationship between heart health and oral health. The purpose is to improve your health.
According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all people, preventing or early detection of heart disease can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes.With a cheerful smile and a cheerful heartTM In this initiative, the association and Delta Dental are working to create and implement a new standard of care for heart health screening in dental offices by performing blood pressure screening and making referrals to primary care when appropriate. We will work with health doctors. This initiative will also educate healthcare professionals and patients about the connection between heart health and oral health, and emphasize the importance of a patient’s integrated care team in improving overall health and well-being.
“Oral health professionals can play a vital role as part of the systemic care team to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Joseph C., FAHA, American Heart Association Volunteer President and Director. said Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD. Simon H. Stelzer Professor of Medicine and Radiology at the Stanford Heart and Vascular Institute. “When dentists and primary care physicians work together, we can create more points of access to high-quality, integrative care and educate patients about the impact good oral health has on their overall health and well-being. .”
“Oral disease can have a significant impact on overall health, and regular preventive oral care is essential to reduce associated health risks, including cardiovascular disease,” said Chief Dental Officer, Delta Dental. , said Daniel W. Crowley, DMD. “Our collaboration with the American Heart Association is a critical step toward strengthening access to high-quality, integrated care and providing support as part of a comprehensive health exam to enable early detection of cardiovascular and other diseases. We emphasize the role of dental visits.”
There are more than 134,000 dental practices in the United States, and approximately 27 million patients see a dentist each year, but not necessarily another doctor, such as a primary care provider.[3] Dentists can be an important resource for counseling and screening patients for many chronic diseases, including hypertension and oral cancer, creating a valuable opportunity to promote prevention and early detection in the oral health environment.
Learn more about the American Heart Association’s new Healthy Smiles, Healthy Healthy Hearts.TM To learn more about this initiative, developed in collaboration with Delta Dental, visit: Oral Health | American Heart Association.
Additional resources:
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Delta Dental
Since 1955, Delta Dental has provided comprehensive, high-quality oral health insurance coverage to millions of enrollees and built the nation’s strongest network of dental providers. Delta Dental of California companies include affiliated companies Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, Delta Dental of New York, and the national Delta Care USA network. provides dental benefits to more than 45 million people in 15 states. and the District of Columbia*. All are members of Delta Dental Planning Association, based in Oak Brook, Illinois. This nonprofit national association collectively serves millions of people across the country through its national network of Delta dental companies. Delta Dental is a registered trademark of Delta Dental Plans Association. For more information about Delta Dental of California and its affiliates, please visit www.deltadentalins.com.
*Delta Dental of California’s surgical area covers Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Media inquiries:
Julia Kersey: julia.kersey@heart.org
General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Kinga Skovronek:
Delta Dental Public Relations Manager
