The higher your blood pressure is the greater your chances of having health issues are, so maintaining a healthy level is crucial. 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 Harrisonburg how you can protect yourself from this dangerous combination.
How Are Gum Disease and High Blood Pressure Connected?
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)
How Do You Prevent 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 gum 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 association between gum disease and high blood pressure, it’s a great time to schedule an appointment for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist in Harrisonburg will be sure to evaluate your gums and treat you for periodontal disease if needed.
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists are committed to three guiding goals. 1. We believe everyone has the right to look and feel good. 2. We believe everyone has the right to a healthy mouth. 3. We believe we can improve the self-esteem and health of others through our work. When you seek periodontal therapy, we offer scaling and root planing, as well as ARESTIN antibiotic treatment. Or maybe you are looking for an exam and cleaning – simply book an appointment on our website or by calling (540) 432-6616.