12 Nov How to Care for Your Teeth When You Have Hypertension
Did you know that hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to oral health problems? Adults who experience hypertension have an increased risk of developing gum disease. Even if you brush twice daily and floss regularly, high blood pressure still puts you at risk.
We are going to explain how hypertension and oral hygiene are related. We’ll answer your questions and give you an easy guide to follow on how to take better care of your teeth if you’re in this situation.
How Does Hypertension Affect Your Oral Health?
- Hypertension restricts your blood flow, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infections like gum disease. You may experience changes in your gum tissue, such as increased bleeding or inflammation.
- High blood pressure can slow healing after dental procedures like extractions or surgeries due to impaired circulation. This means longer recovery times.
- Some high blood pressure medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, which further increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Others can cause gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue).
- Some blood pressure medications may alter taste perception, which can affect dietary choices and overall nutrition.
There is some evidence suggesting that chronic hypertension may be associated with oral lesions (mouth sores).
Can High Blood Pressure Make Your Teeth Hurt?
While high blood pressure doesn’t directly cause gum disease, it increases your risk of pain and tooth loss from gum disease. Because the risk is higher when you have high blood pressure, it is wise to take precautions. It’s also been found that elevated blood pressure leads to a lower tolerance of pain, making any issues in your body more difficult to manage.
How to Take Care Better of Your Teeth
If you have chronically high blood pressure, you need to take extra care when it comes to your oral health. Here are some quick tips that will help you prevent gum disease and dry mouth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush twice a day, like you regularly would.
- Floss twice a day for extra help, and at least once a day.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day, but make sure it’s alcohol-free.
- Keep a water bottle on you at all times. Drinking more water throughout the day will help you stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth.
- Consider taking a vitamin C supplement—it has been found to help lower blood pressure, but talk to your doctor first.
- For mouth sores, rinse with salt water and take pain relievers. For lasting pain, consult your dentist.
- Get a professional cleaning and gum disease treatment from your dentist every three to four months.
Gum Disease Treatment in Sun Lakes, Arizona
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you might also have undiagnosed gum disease. This condition is irreversible in its later stages. Immediate intervention is required to keep the symptoms under control.
Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti Dental Associates can help you preserve and maintain a beautiful smile. We offer a wide range of professional services that help prevent and treat gum disease. Give us a call at 480-895-2111 today to schedule an examination.
- Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti Dental Associates
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash on 10.4.2024 | used under the creative commons license