Oral health and Hypertension
Published by
Gary Moynes
on
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be a concern for people from all walks of life - and if untreated can result in serious health issues. Links between good oral health and a reduction in the risk of hypertension have been established in recent years, making avoiding periodontal diseases and consistently maintaining your teeth even more important!
According to studies assessed by the American Heart Association, poor oral health may interfere with blood pressure control in people diagnosed with hypertension. These studies found that brushing teeth once a day was associated with a 23% reduction in risk of hypertension, while brushing teeth at least twice a day was associated with a 45% reduction - findings which underscore the importance of good oral health in blood pressure control and its role in preventing adverse health conditions.
Periodontitis is a more progressive type of gum disease that develops when inflammation in the gums (gingivitis) isn’t adequately treated, which plaque build up and poor oral hygiene can often contribute to - and as many as 50% of the population may experience symptoms, of which one in five will have a severe form of the disease. Periodontitis describes the spread of the inflammation to the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. Here, pockets form between gums and teeth as a result of the accumulation of plaque which then causes the gums to pull away from your teeth. Other symptoms may include bad breath, loose teeth which can eventually lead to missing teeth or severe tooth loss, sensitive teeth due to gum recession, and gum abscesses where pus collects in the gums.
To avoid the excessive build-up of plaque, and so avoid gum disease, the NHS recommends the following:
- Brushing your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing at night before you go to bed and on 1 other occasion every day – it does not matter if you use an electric or manual toothbrush, but some people find it easier to clean their teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush using toothpaste that contains the right amount of fluoride, a natural mineral that helps protect against tooth decay.
- Flossing your teeth or using interdental brushes regularly – preferably daily, before brushing your teeth.
- Not smoking - Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease, as well as impacting on the likelihood of developing hypertension.
- Regularly visiting your dentist – at least once every 1 to 2 years, but more frequently if necessary
Whilst you should always follow advice from your dentist or doctors, keeping up with good oral hygiene practices like those above can make a difference to quality of life and the likelihood of developing other health concerns. Missing teeth can also be a strain on your jaws and gums, and can often have considerable impacts on mental health - to find out more about dental implant treatment options, and discuss your treatment plan with our expert dental implant surgeons, get in touch with 7oaks Clinic today.