Oral Health and High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious medical condition. It is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels higher than normal. Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage the heart and cause health problems when it stays high for a long time.  

In November 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a new clinical guideline on hypertension. The American Dental Association (ADA) reported the AHA and ACC updates in December 2017. The new clinical guideline states that normal blood pressure is under 120/80mm/Hg. 

How does poor oral health or infected gums (periodontal disease) affect patients with hypertension?

• The mouth is an ideal breeding area for bacteria. Patients who have poor oral health and infected gum tissues are at increased risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream and lead to increased blood pressure. 
• Infected gum tissues do not directly cause hypertension, but it is a risk factor of high pressure.
• 2018 study in the American Heart Association Journal reported that people with healthy gums respond better to their hypertension medication than those diagnosed with periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease were 20% less likely to achieve a “healthy” blood pressure range (below 120/80mm/Hg).

Dentists can spot potential signs of hypertension

• Dentists review the patient’s dental and medical history
• some medications you take for medical conditions may increase blood pressure.
• some health conditions may increase blood pressure.
• signs and symptoms of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth.
• Dentists check blood pressure
• blood pressure is checked at a dental check-up and dental cleaning appointment.
• blood pressure is checked before getting dental treatment.
• detecting hypertension in its early stages can help to prevent major medical problems later on.

Prevention of hypertension

• Avoid smoking-Tobacco use causes blood vessels to narrow, forcing the heart to pump faster which leads to high blood pressure.
• Watch your weight-Obesity and overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
• Exercise is good for the heart and blood pressure.
• Limit salty and fatty foods-Diet high in salt or fat can contribute to high blood pressure.

Dental Care for patients with hypertension

• Update medical history at every dental appointment
• Update on medications (list of medications currently taking)
• Take blood pressure at the start of every dental treatment
• Patients with elevated blood pressure
• Postpone the dental treatment
• Use local anesthetics without epinephrine
• Regular communication between the dentist and the patient’s physician
• Regular dental checkups 
• Review dental home care and oral hygiene: brush 2x per day and floss daily
• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

High blood pressure is referred to as “the silent killer.” 

Many patients have it and not know about it. Dentists are trained to treat your oral diseases and assess your overall health. Dentists may be one of the first health professionals to screen for high blood pressure by simply checking your blood pressure. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. People with healthy gums respond better to their high blood pressure medication and are more likely to have healthy and normal blood pressure.  Dr. Anna Lee can help you to maintain healthy teeth and healthy gums.  Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com