June 27, 2022
Your dentist might ask you about your overall health and any medications you are taking for your medical conditions. This leaves many people wondering what other diseases and medical conditions have to do with oral care. To their surprise, recent studies have shed light on the fact that oral hygiene is linked to several medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. Read on as we share information on how poor oral hygiene and dental problems can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Understanding Blood Pressure
In simple words, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls becomes high enough to cause disruptions to the proper functioning of the heart. Consistent high blood pressure can trigger permanent changes in the heart’s structure and even lead to life-threatening medical conditions like a heart attack or a brain infarction. To prevent anomalies like these, never skip treatment that's recommended by your doctor and keep a log of your blood pressure so you know when you might need a re-evaluation.
Gum Diseases and Blood Pressure
There are a lot of studies that reveal the connection between oral hygiene and gum diseases to blood pressure. Here are some notable studies for review. One study by the American Heart Association concluded that individuals with healthy gums respond better to anti-hypertensive medications when compared to people suffering from gum diseases.
Another study revealed around 20% of people with gum diseases were less likely to maintain stable blood pressure. Notably, periodontitis is a gum disease that directly relates to this health problem. Many review studies have confirmed this by treating periodontitis, which resulted in significantly more stable blood pressure. Besides these, many factors can cause high blood pressure including poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and smoking. Therefore, if you have any of these habits, consider following a treatment plan recommended by your doctor and seek a good dentist to treat gum diseases.
Now that we have shared with you how dental hygiene and diseases of the oral cavity are connected to blood pressure, scroll down to know ways you can take care of your teeth and tips to keep your blood pressure in check.
Eating Healthy and Exercise
The first thing you might want to do is to start eating healthy and follow an exercise routine. Eating balanced and nutritious food ensures you are getting your daily fix of minerals, nutrients, and essential vitamins required for metabolism. Exercise aids in losing weight and staying fit so do follow these routines if possible.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
The best way to maintain good oral hygiene is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You can also add mouthwash to provide prolonged protection against bacteria and viruses. Flossing is also necessary as it prevents any plaque build-up around the teeth.
Knowing the connection between oral hygiene and high blood pressure is vital. Besides the above-mentioned ways, limiting smoking, avoiding processed beverages, and cutting down on sugar consumption can help maintain good oral hygiene. To be on the safe side, it is always best to visit your doctor and the dentist so you can get complete guidance on these health issues.