Oral health has a direct impact on the overall health of an individual, and many studies have shown that oral health is linked to blood pressure.

Poor oral health and high blood pressure are interrelated, and the habits you practice can determine how the two conditions are linked. It is essential to understand why your habits matter, and how you can take care of your oral health to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of arteries. It is measured in two numbers, the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.

The systolic pressure is the top number, which represents the pressure when the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure is the lower number that represents the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood flow is consistently too high over a prolonged period. It can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

The Link between Oral Health and Blood Pressure

Several studies have found a link between oral health and blood pressure. One of the factors that link the two conditions is the inflammation caused by periodontal disease, which is a severe gum infection.

Periodontal disease leads to the accumulation of bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gum tissue. The inflammation of the gum tissue results in the breakdown of the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place. This heaves gaps between the teeth, forming pockets that can harbor more bacteria.

The research has shown that the bacteria that enter the bloodstream through the pockets of the gum tissue can cause inflammation in other parts of the body, including the blood vessels.

This inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where the walls of the arteries become thick and stiff, decreasing blood flow to the organs and increasing blood pressure.

Why Your Habits Matter: Oral Health and Blood Pressure

Your oral health habits play an essential role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The following are some of the habits that you need to practice to keep oral health in check:.

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and bacteria that cause periodontal disease and other dental problems.

2. Floss Your Teeth Daily

Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline, preventing gum and dental decay.

3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups can help detect dental problems early and prevent them from progressing into more severe complications.

4. Limit Sugar Intake

Sugar feeds bacteria that cause periodontal disease and other dental problems. Limiting sugar intake can help prevent dental problems and maintain healthy blood pressure.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking exposes the teeth and gums to harmful chemicals that can cause periodontal disease and increase blood pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the link between oral health and blood pressure is apparent. Poor oral health increases the risk for high blood pressure and other severe health problems.

It is essential to take care of your oral health by maintaining healthy habits that help prevent periodontal disease and other dental problems. By practicing healthy oral hygiene habits, you can maintain healthy blood pressure levels and improve the overall health of your body.