This study investigates the association between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and periodontitis in American adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 were analyzed, with LE8 scores categorized into high, moderate, and low groups. Periodontitis was assessed based on Eke's 2012 criteria. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between LE8 and periodontitis. The study included 9,039 participants with an average age of 52.16 ± 14.21 years, of whom 48.29% were male. The mean LE8 score was 66.29 ± 14.57, and the prevalence of periodontitis was 50.48%. The results showed a significant negative correlation between LE8 and periodontitis (OR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98–0.99, p < 0.001), with the highest LE8 group having a 47% reduced risk of periodontitis compared to the lowest group (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.46–0.66, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between LE8 and periodontitis was more significant in individuals without cardiovascular disease. The study concludes that LE8 is a useful indicator for assessing periodontal health and promoting oral health. However, more prospective longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.This study investigates the association between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and periodontitis in American adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 were analyzed, with LE8 scores categorized into high, moderate, and low groups. Periodontitis was assessed based on Eke's 2012 criteria. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between LE8 and periodontitis. The study included 9,039 participants with an average age of 52.16 ± 14.21 years, of whom 48.29% were male. The mean LE8 score was 66.29 ± 14.57, and the prevalence of periodontitis was 50.48%. The results showed a significant negative correlation between LE8 and periodontitis (OR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98–0.99, p < 0.001), with the highest LE8 group having a 47% reduced risk of periodontitis compared to the lowest group (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.46–0.66, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between LE8 and periodontitis was more significant in individuals without cardiovascular disease. The study concludes that LE8 is a useful indicator for assessing periodontal health and promoting oral health. However, more prospective longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.