In a recent study at UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London, researchers found that people with periodontitis, a severe gum infection, maybe much more likely to have higher blood pressure compared to individuals who had healthy gums.
The study is published in Hypertension. One author is Eva Muñoz Aguilera, D.D.S., M.Clin.Dent.
Previous studies have found a link between high blood pressure and periodontitis, however, research confirming the details of this association is scarce.
Periodontitis is an infection of the gum tissues that hold teeth in place that can lead to progressive inflammation, bone, or tooth loss.
Prevention and treatment of periodontitis are cost-effective and can lead to the reduction of systemic markers of inflammation as well as improvement in the function of the endothelium (thin membrane lining the inside of the heart and blood vessels).
In the study, the team tested 250 adults with generalized, severe periodontitis and a group of 250 adults who did not have severe gum disease. The average age of the participants was 35 years.
The researchers found that a diagnosis of gum disease was linked to higher odds of hypertension, independent of common cardiovascular risk factors.
Individuals with gum disease were twice as likely to have high systolic blood pressure values ≥140 mm Hg, compared to people with healthy gums (14% and 7%, respectively).
Researchers also found the presence of active gum inflammation (identified by bleeding gums) was linked to higher systolic blood pressure.
Participants with periodontitis showed increased glucose, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and lower HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels compared to those in the control group.
The team says patients with gum disease often present with elevated blood pressure, especially when there is active gingival inflammation or bleeding of the gums.
Elevated blood pressure is usually asymptomatic, and many individuals may be unaware that they are at increased risk of heart complications.
Oral health strategies such as brushing teeth twice daily are proven to be very effective in managing and preventing the most common oral conditions.
This study’s results indicate they can also be a powerful and affordable tool to help prevent high blood pressure.
If you care about blood pressure health, please read studies about this common vegetable may prevent salt-induced high blood pressure and findings of 6 things you can control to protect your blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure prevention and treatment, please see recent studies about this high blood pressure drug may harm your bowel health and results showing that this slow exercise may help you lower blood pressure.
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