Recent scientific studies have shown there is a probable association between periodontitis (gum disease) and hypertension (high blood pressure). There is a link between a healthy mouth and a healthy body, and your oral health may be affecting your overall health.
Oral health has a definite impact on overall health, and in the case of gum disease, or periodontitis, there is a clear connection. A 2019 study published in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), reviewed 81 scientific studies to examine the likelihood of high blood pressure in over 250,000 patients with moderate and severe gum disease. The study review found a clear association: People who had moderate to severe gum disease had a 22% increased risk for high blood pressure, and those with severe gum disease had a 49% higher risk.
Researchers in the study review found that the oral bacteria that causes gum disease also leads to inflammation throughout the body, which in turn affects blood vessel function. As the bacteria in the mouth multiply, they can enter the bloodstream allowing bacterial pathogens to flood the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. Researcher Dr. Francesco D’Aiuto, head of the periodontology unit at University College London’s Eastman Dental Institute, noted “Bacterial accumulation around teeth causes gum bleeding and disease, and can also raise body inflammation and cause blood vessel damage.”
The research indicates treating gum disease may have a beneficial impact on lowering blood pressure. In five of the twelve studies analyzed by the researchers in the 2019 study, the blood pressure of the patient dropped when their gum disease was treated. The researchers found that blood pressure also dropped in patients treated for gum disease who didn’t have hypertension. The authors stopped short of concluding a cause-and-effect link but did declare a linear association — the more severe the gum disease is, the higher the probability of hypertension. Lead author D’Aiuto wrote, “Every dentist should inform their patients of the potential link and the risk of developing high blood pressure.”
Periodontitis (gum disease) is a serious condition, but with regular dental visits you can treat or prevent gum disease entirely. The Woodside Dental team is here to be partners in your oral and overall health; with the latest in dental technology, we can assist you in the treatment and prevention of periodontitis. We have been the community’s choice for dental care for years, and we treat all patients with empathy, respect and honesty.
Call 805-647-1322 or visit www.woodsidedentalcare.net to learn more about Woodside Dental and the general and cosmetic dentistry services we offer.
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