{"id":728,"date":"2022-09-06T02:38:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T07:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cfad.net\/blog\/?p=728"},"modified":"2022-09-06T15:01:49","modified_gmt":"2022-09-06T20:01:49","slug":"can-gum-disease-cause-high-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cfad.net\/blog\/can-gum-disease-cause-high-blood-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Gum Disease Put You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Man<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You may have been told by dentists in the past that your oral health is just as vital as the rest of your body. For that reason, it\u2019s more important than ever to take oral care seriously, whether it\u2019s at home or making time for professional checkups and cleanings. Doing so just may put you at lower risk of other chronic diseases, including hypertension (also known as high blood pressure). Read on to learn more about the connection gum disease may have with this potentially life-threatening condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Research Points to Gum Disease\/High Blood Pressure Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to a recent study<\/a> conducted at the University College London Eastman Dental Institute, periodontal (gum) damage can also trigger inflammatory responses that impact the rest of the body. This is according to Dr. Francesco D\u2019Aiuto, head of the periodontology unit at the Institute. In their study, they found that those with gum disease were twice as likely to have high systolic blood pressure (i.e. 140 mm Hg or more). Keep in mind that healthy systolic rating (or the top number recorded in a blood pressure reading) is 120 or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, other studies on the association between gum disease and high blood pressure have come out in recent years. For example, a study<\/a> published in Cardiovascular Research in 2020 showed a linear connection between periodontal disease and hypertension. Researchers found that people with moderate gum disease were 22% more likely to have high blood pressure, while those with severe gum disease were 49% more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it can be disheartening to hear that gum disease puts you at risk of other conditions, this chronic dental problem is not a forgone conclusion. It\u2019s entirely possible for you to prevent it from appearing in the first place by simply keeping a few helpful habits in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Committed to Dental Hygiene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brush twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. Remember to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris from in between teeth, an area that no toothbrush can effectively clean. For extra protection, consider adding an oral rinse designed to target bacteria that causes gum disease to your routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Habits That Increase Your Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using tobacco in any form is one of the worst habits not just for your gums, but your entire mouth. If you\u2019re struggling to quit the habit, speak with a doctor directly for advice on how to move forward. Quitting will dramatically reduce your risk of gum disease as well as other conditions associated with using tobacco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay Attention for Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n