Hypertension and Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is called the "silent killer" because often it does not present any symptoms. However, hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other diseases. And, hypertension is also linked to oral health!

Types of Hypertension

There are two types of hypertension and each type has a different cause: Essential (primary) hypertension and Secondary hypertension.

Essential hypertension develops over time and does not have a definitive cause. Some factors that play a role in causing essential hypertension include age (common in people who are over 65 years), genetics (family history), obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a high sodium diet, drinking too much alcohol, periodontal disease, and smoking.

Secondary hypertension is caused by another medical condition, which may include kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems, pregnancy, and diabetes.

Symptoms

People with high blood pressure may not have any symptoms, so it's important to check blood pressure regularly. Most doctor's offices take a blood pressure reading at every appointment. And, we at Kaydental, routinely take blood pressure before dental appointments. Many local pharmacies also have blood pressure machines for you to periodically check your blood pressure on your own.

While most people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms at all, in severe cases, high blood pressure can cause:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nosebleeds
• Anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Nausea

The Connection between Hypertension & Oral Health

Oral health can have a significant impact on overall health. For example, people with periodontal disease (an infection of the gum and bone) are more likely to have hypertension. According to research, people who have periodontal disease may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure likely related to chronic inflammation which can damage blood vesselsand increase blood pressure.

Some medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as "beta blockers" and "diuretics", can cause dry mouth; this in turn can increase the risk of developing dental caries (cavities) and other oral health problems. To prevent dry mouth, try drinking lots of water every day, use a humidifier, and brush your teeth twice a day.

Treatments

Blood pressure readings are important at every dental and medical visit. And you can take blood pressure easily at home as well, but it is best to ask your doctor for guidance on how to monitor your own blood pressure and when to contact your doctor if the readings are too high or too low.

Patients with hypertension should inform their dentists about their medical conditions, including high or low blood pressure, and any medications they are taking.

A healthy lifestyle can help you keep your blood pressure and oral health in check. For example:

• Maintaining a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Refraining from smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Having enough sleep
• Cutting down on salt and sugar to prevent dental cavities
• A regular oral healthcare routine including at-home care and professional check-ups

If you're looking for healthy diet tips, click here to get a guide provided by Hypertension Canada.

Healthcare professionals, including your dental professionals at Kaydental, can help with managing hypertension which can result in better oral health, general health and a healthier lifestyle. This, in turn, can lead to a happier life and a beautiful smile.

Schedule an appointment today to get an overview of your oral health!

Sources:

• Hypertension Canada: https://guidelines.hypertension.ca/
• Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension
• WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hypertension#tab=tab_1