Gum Disease Is Bad Enough; Don’t Let It Lead to High Blood Pressure

Gum disease is a sinister menace that can wreak havoc on your oral health as well as one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the world, but it may also be a factor in developing high blood pressure. Cardiovascular problems can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections in your mouth and the rest of your body, and it can significantly impact your quality of life in many other ways. Here’s what you should know about how gum disease and high blood pressure may be linked and how you can prevent or address these issues.

Are Gum Disease and High Blood Pressure Linked?

Gum disease starts out small in the form of inflammation called gingivitis, and it can usually be reversed at this stage with improved oral hygiene. However, untreated gingivitis will eventually progress to periodontitis, which causes permanent damage such as gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss. Recent research shows that people with advanced gum disease may be twice as likely to develop high blood pressure, and this may be due to it causing accumulations of plaque in the bloodstream.

High blood pressure can also strain the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, which makes fighting gum disease more difficult. Having high blood pressure and oral infections may result in a brutal cycle of either problem making the other worse.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

The single most important factor in preventing gum disease is practicing excellent oral hygiene every day. This includes:

• Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to gently clean each of the exterior surfaces of your teeth, gums, cheeks, palate, and tongue to eliminate plaque that can lead to nasty oral infections.
• Flossing: Gently but thoroughly cleaning between your teeth with dental floss is essential to protecting them from infection and keeping your gums stimulated so they are primed to fight infections.
• Antibacterial mouthwash: This concoction is specially designed to kill oral bacteria on contact and leave your mouth feeling fresh and minty. Look for a brand with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on the label.

It’s also important to see your dentist regularly so they can monitor your oral health, correct issues in their early stages, and advise you as to how to improve your oral hygiene at home.

How Can I Prevent High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure can lead to a range of health problems including harmful cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The best ways to prevent this include:

• Regular cardio exercise: Thirty minutes of vigorous cardio exercise daily can be a great way to maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Smart eating decisions: Consuming sugar, cholesterol, and fat in moderation can prevent a wide range of cardiovascular problems.
• Seeing your general practitioner regularly: Your doctor is trained to diagnose high blood pressure and recommend appropriate treatments for it.

Don’t allow your oral health to be trapped in a deadly cycle of high blood pressure and gum disease. By taking care to maintain your oral and overall health, you can keep your smile and the rest of your body in great shape for many years to come.

About the Practice

Dr. Song Ahn graduated from the University of Texas School of Dentistry and has completed extensive postgraduate training in implant surgery and restorative dentistry. He is proud to be a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His office in Houston offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as periodontal treatments. For more tips on preventing gum disease, contact his office online or dial (713) 869-9973.