A Healthy Mouth, the key to Healthy Blood Pressure

According to a new US study, people with high blood pressure who are taking medication for their disease will probably benefit more from the effects of treatment if they have good oral health. Conclusions confirming the hypothesis that periodontal diseases have inter-relationships with many general diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

Poor oral hygiene habits can have far more serious consequences than tooth loss, since they can also have an effect on overall health. More and more studies establish a direct link between periodontal diseases, diseases of infectious origin that affect the tissues supporting the teeth, and serious diseases such as pulmonary diseases, heart disease, and stroke. and diabetes.
"There is more to prove that the relationship between heart health and oral health is closely linked," says the French Union of Oral Health (UFSBD) on this topic, and a recent study published in the newspaper from the American Heart Association confirms this link.

Researchers at the University of L'Aquila in Italy have looked closely at the medical and dental records of more than 3,600 patients with high blood pressure. Their findings reveal that people who have healthier gums have healthier blood pressure and respond better to antihypertensive medications, compared to people with periodontitis, which is a progressive loss of alveolar bone around the teeth. Specifically, people with periodontal disease were 20% less likely to achieve healthy blood pressure ranges than those considered to be in good oral health.

Hypertensive Patients must have their Teeth Monitored

Based on the results, the researchers explain that patients with periodontal disease should require close monitoring of their blood pressure, while those with consistently high blood pressure should consult a dentist frequently. "Physicians need to pay particular attention to the oral health of patients, particularly those receiving treatment for hypertension, and encourage those with signs of periodontal disease to seek dental care," Prof. Davide Pietropaoli said. . "Health professionals need to be aware that oral health is vital to overall health. "

The study also revealed that patients with severe periodontitis had an average systolic blood pressure of 3 mmHg on average compared to patients with good oral health. The systolic pressure, the upper number in the reading of the arterial pressure, indicates the pressure of the blood on the walls of the arteries. Although apparently small, this difference of 3 mmHg is similar to the reduction in blood pressure achieved by reducing salt intake by 6 grams per day, say the researchers. Finally, the study found that the presence of periodontal disease further widened the gap, up to 7 mmHg, in people with untreated hypertension.

Why do not you Postpone your visit to the Dentist

"Antihypertensive drugs have reduced the gap, up to 3 mmHg, but not completely eliminated, suggesting that periodontal disease can affect the effectiveness of this type of treatment," say the researchers. Therefore, they conclude that hypertensive patients and healthcare professionals who care for them should be more aware that good oral health every day can be an equally important reflex for controlling blood pressure. other interventions known as a low salt diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

To avoid periodontal diseases, the UFSBD states that it is essential to respect certain rules on a daily basis. Starting with brushing twice a day to remove plaque. Flossing every night is also recommended to remove the remaining plaque between the teeth, which can not be removed by brushing, without forgetting to schedule an annual visit to the dentist who will perform a descaling and a removal. dental plaque. This last tip is especially applicable to pregnant women because hormonal changes increase the risk of periodontal disease and worsen periodontal disease