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Poor Oral Health Could Result in Your Having High Blood Pressure

Irvine, CA

Posted on 2/22/2021 by Dr. Christianne Lee

Image of a young woman being shown how to properly brush her teeth to prevent poor oral health at Irvine Dentistry.

If you have high blood pressure, it may be due to how you take care of your teeth. Studies show a direct link to gum infections and heart disease or higher blood pressure readings. Because an oral infection can spread throughout the body, it can lead to other health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and circulatory disorders. If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and have professional dental cleanings and exams; you can reduce your risk of these medical conditions.

What the Studies Reveal

According to the American Heart Association's publication, Hypertension, people with high blood pressure, who take medicines for their condition, benefit more from the therapy if they follow good oral health practices. Findings show that people with healthier gums responded better to medicines meant to lower blood pressure readings. Moreover, people diagnosed with periodontal disease were 20% less likely to realize better blood pressure readings than patients who practiced good oral health.

How to Have Better Circulatory and Periodontal Health

Based on these findings, scientists add that patients with elevated blood pressure readings may benefit by scheduling regular 6-month checkups and cleanings. It may also help to carefully check the blood pressure of people with advanced gum disease. The study results confirmed that people with high blood pressure and periodontitis had a systolic pressure (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) that was three mmHg higher than patients with good oral health. While this number seems small, if not trivial, that kind of difference can be compared to reducing your salt intake by one teaspoon per day.

We know that healthy gums and teeth are paramount to overall good health. Call us today at (949) 656-2933 to arrange an appointment for a professional dental cleaning and dental exam. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy will improve all the other areas of your life as well.

Dr. Christianne Lee

5394 Walnut Ave Suite E
Irvine, California 92604-2505

(949) 656-2933

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