High BP strongly linked to poor oral health

The researchers analysed and reviewed medical and dental exam records of more than 3,600 people with Hypertension.The scrutiny of records revealed that patients with healthier gums have lower BP and responded better to BP lowering medications, as compared to subjects with gum afflictions and periodontitis.

In the study, patients with severe periodontitis had systolic pressure that was, on average, 3 mmHg higher than those with good oral health. Systolic pressure, the upper number in a blood pressure reading, indicates the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries. While seemingly small, the 3mmHg difference is similar to the reduction in blood pressure that can be achieved by reducing salt intake by 6 grams per day (equal to a teaspoon of salt, or 2.4 grams of sodium), the researchers said.

The presence of periodontal disease widened the gap even farther, up to 7 mmHg, among people with untreated hypertension, the study found. BP medications narrowed the gap, down to 3 mm Hg but did not completely eliminate it, suggesting that periodontal disease may interfere with the effectiveness of BP therapy.

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The researchers found that people with periodontal disease were 20 percent less likely to reach healthy blood pressure range as compared to patients who had good oral health.Therefore patients with periodontal disease may require closer blood pressure monitoring and also those diagnosed with hypertension with persistently elevated blood pressure, might benefit from a referral to a dentist.

Physicians should pay close attention to patients' oral health, particularly those receiving treatment for hypertension, and urge those with signs of periodontal disease to seek dental care," Pietropaoli said. "Likewise, dental health professionals should be aware that oral health is indispensable to overall physiological health, including cardiovascular status," said study lead investigator Davide Pietropaoli, D.D.S., Ph.D., of the University of L'Aquila in Italy.