High Blood Pressure and Periodontal (gum) Disease

Research and studies have taken up the responsibility of bringing novel innovations to the field of medical science and a lot of them have linked periodontal (gum) disease to high blood pressure and cardiovascular ailments. The Journal of Periodontology, which is a highly acclaimed journal among reputed dentists, explains a definite link between the two.

The study reveals that patients with severe or moderate periodontitis conditions and gum diseases are more susceptible to high blood pressure and heart diseases. A whopping 91% of patients suffering from periodontal (gum) diseases have some kind of coronary disease condition. This definitely shows that periodontitis influences the incidence of heart disease, thereby increasing the chances of heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.

One possible explanation is that the periodontal pathogens are highly intrusive and are competent to enter the bloodstream, attack the walls of the blood vessel and eventually result into atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arterial walls thicken and restrict normal coronary functions. This can happen due to other conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, toxin damage or smoking as well.

One hypothesis that definitely comes out of the research is that dental care and regular dental check-up is essential for good oral hygiene and a healthy heart. Periodontal disease is induced through bacterial inflammation and this has a degenerating effect on bone, gum, connective tissue and endothelial functions.

Overall, health experts agree that some relation definitely exists between periodontal infection, endothelial function, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Taking care of your oral hygiene and treatment of acute and severe gum conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis can help you to avoid a lot of coronary complications which can arise otherwise.

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