According to new research in the American Heart Association‘s journal Hypertension, people with high blood pressure are more likely to benefit from their medication if they have good oral health. This study looked at medical and dental records of more than 3,600 people with high blood pressure, and showed that people with healthier gums responded better to blood pressure lowering medications compared with individuals with gum (periodontal) disease. “Specifically, people with periodontal disease were 20 percent less likely to reach healthy blood pressure ranges, compared with patients in good oral health.”

Many patients and even some physicians don’t realize how much having inflammation and chronic gum disease in your mouth affects the whole body. Good oral health is critical to overall health, and especially cardiovascular health. The same bacteria involved in gum disease are responsible for the development of atherosclerotic plaques in our arteries. Poor oral health has a similar effect on cardiovascular health as smoking!

For more information check out this previous blog: https://eauclaireparkdental.ca/can-dentist-tell-youre-risk-heart-disease/

Reference: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/aha-poh101718.php#.W-LwQeBPoUg.email