High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is known as a “silent killer” because it does not usually cause obvious symptoms. While lots of factors can increase your risk of high blood pressure, one often-overlooked contributor is untreated gum disease. What is the connection between gum problems and your blood pressure, and how can you protect both your smile and your cardiovascular health? This blog post provides helpful information.
The Link Between Periodontitis and Blood Pressure
Periodontitis is the advanced form of gum disease. It is a bacterial infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. Not only is it a constant attack on your smile, but it can also affect your overall wellness.
Your immune system responds to gum disease with inflammation, and that response does not always stay inside your mouth. Research suggests that oral bacteria and inflammatory chemicals can enter your bloodstream, irritate blood vessel walls, and add stress to your cardiovascular system. Over time, that stress may contribute to higher blood pressure and make it harder for your blood vessels to relax as they should. Some research even indicates that people with periodontitis are twice as likely to have high blood pressure as people with healthy gums.
The relationship between hypertension and periodontitis may work in both directions. If you already have high blood pressure, reduced blood vessel health can affect circulation in your gums and make it harder for your body to repair damaged tissue.
While periodontitis and hypertension can contribute to one another, they also share several risk factors, such as tobacco use, diabetes, chronic stress, and poor nutrition. The significant overlap between these conditions means that oral health and overall health should not be treated as separate issues.
How You Can Protect Your Cardiovascular Health
How can you lower your risk of gum disease and protect your cardiovascular health in the process? Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to clean thoroughly along your gumline.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another type of interdental cleaner.
- Schedule regular dental visits so your dentist can remove plaque and detect early signs of gum disease.
- Do not ignore bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum tenderness, or loose teeth.
- Share your full medical history with your dentist, especially if you take blood pressure medication.
- Limit tobacco use and follow your physician’s advice for blood pressure control.
Your mouth and your heart are more connected than you may realize! If you stay consistent with oral care and seek appropriate professional support, you can give both your gums and your cardiovascular system the best chance of long-term health.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we are eager to support both the oral and overall health of our patients. We understand the mouth-body connection and provide care that accounts for your head-to-toe wellness. Gum disease treatment is among the many services available in our office. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office at 860-263-0441.