A Complete Health Dentist Explains How Gum Disease Can Raise Your Blood Pressure

Talk to a complete health dentist and they will tell all individuals that gum disease can lead to high blood pressure. Gum disease is an infection of gum tissues that is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth. Most of these microorganisms are harmless, but some lead to gum disease when they get underneath the gums.

A bacterial infection in the gums prompts the body to send antibodies to fight off the bacteria. The result is damaged gum and bone tissues in the mouth. Gum disease can lead to teeth falling out when left untreated, and it weakens the immune system.

Studies show that people with periodontal disease are 22% more likely to develop high blood pressure, while those with advanced gum disease have a 49% higher risk. This makes taking good care of the mouth even more important since that is one of the most effective ways to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. The early stages of gum disease can be reversed with good oral hygiene and teeth cleanings. However, if it is not kept at bay, it is important to understand how the blood pressure can be affected. 

A complete health dentist explains how gum disease affects blood pressure

A complete health dentist says that most of the bacteria in the mouth are harmless. Some can cause dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, while others can get into the respiratory and digestive systems, causing problems there.

Good oral hygiene and the immune system work together to keep bacteria populations in the mouth under control. When a person fails to take good care of their mouth, oral bacteria are allowed to reach levels where they can cause infections, tooth decay and gum disease.

Some of the medications used to treat hypertension can dry out the mouth, and this leaves teeth vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay since saliva serves as a natural mouth cleanser, washing away plaque, food particles and bacteria from the mouth.

Gum disease is a progressive condition. It can be reversed in its early stages, but its advanced stages can only be managed with treatment. The presence of an infection weakens a person's immune system and that makes them more vulnerable to respiratory and cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure. When left untreated, hypertension can lead to life-threatening health conditions like heart disease or a stroke.

Bacteria infecting gum tissues in the mouth can make their way to other parts of the body like the inner lining of the heart. It can lead to blood vessels becoming narrower, restricting the flow of blood. Bacteria in the mouth can also be inhaled into the respiratory system. This can lead to issues like pneumonia and emphysema.

Take control of your health

A complete health dentist can help to prevent issues in your mouth from affecting other parts of your body and vice versa. Call or visit our Coral Gables clinic to learn more about how periodontal diseases leaves you vulnerable to other health issues like high blood pressure.

Request an appointment here: https://www.bushdidsmiles.com or call Bushdid Smiles at (305) 740-1443 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

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