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: