Can Bad Dental Hygiene Cause High Blood Pressure? It’s long been known that good oral health is important for your overall health. Now, a new study shows that good oral hygiene may also help to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
The study, which was published in the journal Hypertension, looked at the medical and dental records of more than 3,600 people with high blood pressure. The researchers found that those with healthier gums had lower blood pressure and that they responded better to blood pressure-lowering medications than those who had gum disease.
Gum Disease and Heart Issues
Gum disease is a condition known as periodontitis. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth invade and damage the tissues that support the teeth. Gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to keep your oral health in good condition. That means brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and seeing your dentist for regular checkups. And if you have gum disease, be sure to get it treated. Doing so may help to lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
If you’re not sure how to brush and floss your teeth properly, ask your dentist for instructions. And be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking for high blood pressure. Some medications can cause oral problems, such as dry mouth. Taking good care of your oral health can help to keep your blood pressure under control.
Why Oral Health Matters
Good oral health is important for your general health. It helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and it may also help to lower your blood pressure. If you have a higher blood pressure than normal, be sure to keep your oral health in good condition. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups. And if you have gum disease, be sure to get it treated. Doing so may help to lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
If you’re not sure how to brush and floss your teeth properly, ask your dentist for instructions. And be sure to talk to your doctor about any blood pressure medication you’re taking. Some medications can cause oral problems, such as dry mouth. Taking good care of your oral health can help to keep your blood pressure under control.
Can Bad Teeth Cause High Blood Pressure?
“The connection between bad teeth/gum disease and high blood pressure is \ important to maintain and that has been largely overlooked,” said Dr. Francesco D’Aiuto, head of the periodontology unit at University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute in a review study his team published last year on oral health links to general well-being ̶ including heart defects like cardiomegaly (enlargement) or valve problems associated with chronic inflammation caused by severe gingivitis/gingivoarse Paintbrushes).
“Hypertension is a chronic inflammatory disease and it makes perfect sense that the body’s response to long-term low-grade inflammation in the gums would be an increase in blood pressure,” he said.
The UCL Eastman Dental Institute review found (meta-analysis of 81 studies) that moderate to severe gum disease increased heart attack risk by 22 percent and severe gum disease by 49 percent.
D’Aiuto’s team isn’t the only one making this connection between hypertension and oral health. A study published in the journal Stroke last year showed that people with periodontitis are at an increased risk for stroke, whether they had hypertension or not.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.
For more information on high blood pressure, visit the American Heart Association’s website.
Dental Health & Periodontal Disease
periodontal disease has been linked with other health issues such as diabetes, respiratory problems, and even pancreatic cancer. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to maintain optimal health. See your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following: bad breath, swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums, or loose teeth.
periodontal disease has also been linked with high blood pressure levels. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to keep your oral health in good condition by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and seeing your dentist for checkups. Get treatment for gum disease if you have it, as this may help to lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
