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Is High Blood Pressure a Symptom of Gum Disease?

March 24, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsongfm @ 2:17 am
man getting blood pressure taken

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is very important because the higher it is the greater your chances of having health issues are. All your body’s important organs, such as your brain and heart, receive nutrients and oxygen through your blood flow. High blood pressure is very common with more than three million cases per year in the U.S. According to a 2021 report in the journal Hypertension, severe gum disease can make an otherwise healthy person significantly more likely to develop high blood pressure. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Flower Mound how you can protect yourself from this dangerous combination.

What Is the Link Between Gum Disease and High Blood Pressure?

Gum disease occurs when bacteria accumulate around the base of the teeth and begins to eat away at gum tissue. Research in the Hypertension report showed that people with the condition are twice as likely to have high blood pressure as those with healthy gums – possibly due to inflammation that occurs with gum disease triggering inflammation in the heart as well.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth (in severe cases)

What Can I Do to Avoid Gum Disease?

Since the association between gum disease and high blood pressure is so strong, a good way to protect yourself from heart problems related to blood pressure is to take steps to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place.

Some effective tips to keep your gums healthy include:

  • Drinking plenty of water to keep the mouth hydrated to wash away bacteria naturally
  • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
  • Quitting smoking and tobacco use
  • Brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day to clean away plaque and bacteria
  • Flossing between teeth daily to remove bacteria buildup between teeth
  • Visiting your dentist twice annually – or as often as recommended

Now that you know more about the connection between gum disease and high blood pressure, it’s a great time to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist in Flower Mound will be sure to evaluate your gums and treat you for periodontal disease if needed.

About the Author

Dr. Rodger Song has been working hard for the smiles of his patients for three decades since he earned his dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry. If you ever need gum disease therapy, Dr. Song will perform a gum screening, conduct a deep cleaning, and then you can have professional gum treatment at home with Arestin therapy. Or he can check your gums during a routine cleaning and exam. You can schedule an appointment on his website or by calling (972) 906-9797.

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