The human body consists of multiple complex systems that work together sometimes mysteriously to keep a person alive and functioning, and researchers still strive to fully understand how each element interacts with and affects everything else. It’s incredible that when a little thing goes wrong in one place, it can impact a completely different area of the body and impair the body’s ability to survive and have a long lifespan. One example often researched is the connection between gum disease and high blood pressure. Is it possible that this seemingly small oral infection can contribute to a life-threatening issue? How could this be true? Keep reading to understand how you can help or hinder your health.
What Do Studies Show About Gum Disease and High Blood Pressure?
Multiple studies have been conducted about the correlation between gum disease and various systemic illnesses, especially heart disease. While none of them have reported a confirmed causation, over and over again, gum disease appears to go hand-in-hand with heart problems.
One study published in 2021 in Hypertension, a journal by the American Heart Association, found that those with periodontitis or severe gum disease were twice as likely to have undiagnosed high blood pressure than those who had good oral health. This strong correlation suggests that these influence each other somehow.
How Could Gum Disease Lead to High Blood Pressure?
Inflammation in gum tissue may seem completely unrelated to heart health, but the bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter the bloodstream as gums react to irritation. Traveling throughout the body, these bacteria can aggravate inflammation as well as hinder functioning of the thin interior lining of the heart and arteries, contributing to high blood pressure. That’s what medical and dental researchers theorize.
Will Taking Care of My Oral Health Help My Heart?
Unfortunately, high blood pressure does not typically present itself through noticeable symptoms, which means the patient may not realize they have a higher risk for heart attack or other cardiovascular events until it’s too late. Fighting high blood pressure typically requires a multi-faceted approach including medications, diet adjustments, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
While maintaining your oral hygiene at home and with your dentist likely won’t eliminate high blood pressure entirely, keeping gum disease under control can certainly help. Plus, if your dentist diagnoses you with periodontitis during your regular dental visits, you have an increased risk of having high blood pressure as well. It’s one of the main reasons your dentist takes your blood pressure during your appointment. With this knowledge, you can see your physician to get properly diagnosed and treated for high blood pressure if you discover you have gum disease.
In the end, the human body continues to amaze scientists, but continued studies can reveal some of the mysteries to health issues and unlock ways to take better care of your health. For now, maintaining excellent oral health can do more than put a smile on your face—it can give you a happier, strong heart!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Boyles owns and operates Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center in Midland. As an area native and the son of a dentist, he loves helping his friends and neighbors achieve their best health in their mouth and have a smile they can be proud of. He offers comprehensive services, which include cosmetic procedures as well as advanced restorative treatments like dental implants, crowns, gum disease therapy, and more. If you are concerned about your oral health, make an appointment with us online or contact our office by calling 432-685-7011.