Brushing your teeth reduces your risk of heart attack or stroke by a fifth, according to research. The bugs that cause gum infections also trigger high blood pressure — the third biggest risk factor for all diseases after smoking and diet, scientists say.
The finding adds to evidence linking a number of potentially fatal diseases to poor dental hygiene. It was based on a review of the medical and dental records of more than 3,600 patients with high blood pressure – known medically as hypertension.
Those with healthier gums had lower readings and responded better to blood pressure-lowering drugs. Specifically, people with gingivitis – or periodontitis – were 20% less likely to reach healthy blood pressure levels.
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Lead researcher Dr Davide Pietropaoli said people with gingivitis should monitor their blood pressure closely. Those diagnosed with hypertension—or persistently elevated blood pressure—may benefit from a dental referral.
Dr Pietropaoli, from the University of L’Aquila in southern Italy, said: “Doctors should pay close attention to the oral health of patients – particularly those receiving treatment for hypertension – and urge those with signs of periodontal disease to seek dental care . they should know that oral health is essential to overall physiological health – including cardiovascular status.’
High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of strokes and heart attacks. Excessive stress and the resulting damage narrows the coronary arteries. A build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances that form in plaque – and can lead to blood clots.
High blood pressure is also a risk factor for heart disease, kidney disease and vascular dementia. It affects a third of adults in the UK. The study published in the Hypertension Journal stated that the recommended blood pressure range for patients is less than 130/80 mmHg.
The first number is the systolic pressure when the heart pushes blood around the body. The second is the diastolic pressure when it relaxes. Dr. Pietropaoli and colleagues found that participants with severe gum disease had systolic blood pressure that was an average of 3 mmHg higher than those with good dental health.
Although it seems small, the difference is similar to the reduction in blood pressure that can be achieved by reducing salt intake by one teaspoon of salt per day – 6 grams. One teaspoon is the recommended daily amount – but most adults get more than double that.
The researchers also showed that gum disease widened the gap even further — by up to 7 mmHg — between those with untreated hypertension. This is important since half of people with high blood pressure are undiagnosed or untreated. In England alone more than five million people are undiagnosed.
Blood pressure meds got it down to about 3mmHg – but didn’t make it go away completely. This suggests that gum disease may affect the effectiveness of blood pressure treatment, Dr. Pietropaoli said.
He said: “Patients with high blood pressure and the clinicians who care for them should be aware that good oral health can be just as important in controlling the condition as several lifestyle interventions known to help control blood pressure. pressure, such as low salt content. diet, regular exercise and weight control’.
The study, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension, was not designed to clarify exactly how gum disease interferes with blood pressure treatment. However, the team says the results are consistent with previous research linking low-grade oral inflammation to blood vessel damage and cardiovascular disease risk.
Globally, hypertension is estimated to affect up to four in ten people over the age of 25 – claiming around 7.5 million lives each year. Red, swollen, tender gums or gums that bleed with brushing and flossing are telltale signs of inflammation and periodontal disease.
The same goes for teeth that look longer than before – a sign of receding gums – and teeth that are loose or separated from the gum line. It is believed that the condition can cause diseases from heart disease to cancer and even Alzheimer’s because the inflammation causing bacteria enters the bloodstream – traveling to all corners of the body.
High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” The only way to know you have the condition is to measure your blood pressure.
It costs it NHS over £2.1 billion every year. An ideal blood pressure reading is between 90/60 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and 120/80 mmHg. You have high blood pressure if your readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
Every 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20%. High blood pressure is thought to lead to around 75,000 deaths in the UK each year.
It accounts for one in eight GP appointments in England.
