You may not think there’s a direct link between having high blood pressure and the state of your oral health, but the two are incredibly interconnected. If you suffer from high blood pressure, there are considerations you need to make when it comes to taking care of your oral health. We’ll review the influence your oral health has on your heart health, and how you can ensure that you’re taking care of both of them properly.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Also called hypertension, high blood pressure is a cardiovascular disease that is generally asymptomatic and can be diagnosed through a blood pressure reading. When you have high blood pressure, your blood vessels are narrowed or blocked, which prevents easy or consistent blood flow through your body. The result is an increased risk in stroke and heart disease, among other ailments.

Link Between High Blood Pressure & Oral Health

According to a 2018 study by the American Heart Association, people who take medication for hypertension are more likely to benefit from it if they have good oral health. Individuals who had gum disease were far less likely to reap the benefits of their medication. While there is still much research to be done, multiple studies indicate that there is a connection between inflammation in the mouth and gums and inflammation in the heart. In fact, the bacteria that makes up plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth throughout the day, is the same bacteria that builds up in the heart’s artery walls.

How Your Dentist Can Help Hypertension

In order to better manage your hypertension, it’s important to see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. If you are showing signs of gum disease, there are some procedures that Dental Wellness Phoenixville will recommend to restore your oral health. These include a deep cleaning with antibacterial medicine, or scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from under the gumline.

Encouraging Oral Health in Phoenixville, PA

Besides visiting Dr. David or Dr. Delie twice a year, we encourage our patients to brush and floss their teeth thoroughly twice a day to prevent bacteria growth and inflammation. You should also eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and exercise to boost your overall health. At Dental Wellness Phoenixville, we look at your entire health history in order to create a treatment plan that is best for your needs. Our team does everything we can to ensure that our comprehensive services are affordable for all of our patients. Schedule an appointment today by calling our office or clicking the contact link below.

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