Complete Health Dentist: Why Gum Disease May Raise Your Blood Pressure

When curious about the link between hypertension and gum disease, it is best to become familiar with oral-systemic connections, which is a complete health dentist's main focus. Oral-systemic connections are the relationships between periodontal health and overall health. It is important to understand how gum disease can lead to an increase in high blood pressure.

High blood pressure as a result of gum disease

Outlined below is an explanation of why gum disease may raise one's blood pressure. Individuals who are at risk of developing gum disease should carefully review the following information. 

Understanding why

Gum disease at any stage can become very serious, very quickly. Many individuals are under the impression that a mild case of gum disease will go away on its own with proper oral hygiene. However, that is not always the case. In some scenarios, gum disease can get worse, even within a day or two. 

Once the infection becomes advanced, the entire oral cavity is put at risk of developing other conditions, such as tooth decay or jaw deterioration. To make things worse, once the entire oral cavity is at risk, the entire body also becomes at risk of developing more serious conditions, such as hypertension.

High blood pressure can be dangerous because it can lead to a heart attack or stroke, both of which can be deadly. Since it may be surprising to learn that the blood pressure can be affected by gum disease, it is important to understand how. When the gums become severely infected, there are often many entrance sites for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream easily and quickly.

Once bacteria does make its way into the bloodstream, there is the potential that build-up will occur in the arteries. Built-up bacterial plaque can quickly lead to a rise in blood pressure, as the arteries need to be clear in order for the body to properly function. 

Things to note

Because things can progress so quickly, complete health dentists recommend a series of preventive measures. If there are any signs of gum disease present, a treatment plan will be put into place immediately, which may include oral rinses and deep dental cleanings. Additionally, the complete health dentist will also check for any other signs that may indicate a respiratory problem, hypertension or the development of cancerous cells, all of which are possibilities when the gums are in poor health. 

Find out more from a complete health dentist

If you want to learn more about the link between blood pressure and gum disease, it is best to talk with a complete health dentist directly. Any questions or concerns can be appropriately addressed, and an evaluation can be scheduled to get a better understanding of your current health. Reach out today to get started or to learn more about complete health dentistry. 

Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office. 

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