Gum disease and high blood pressure

The study found that amongst a group of students who had elevated (or prehypertensive) blood pressure at baseline, 3 factors which led to high blood pressure were:

gender (being a male) (odds ratio of 6.31),
– lack of regular exercise (odds ratio of 2.90) and
– periodontal disease (defined as pocket depth ≥ 4mm and BOP ≥ 30% at baseline) (odds ratio of 2.74).

Notably, elevated/pre-hypertensive blood pressure (defined as systolic blood pressure 120-139mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure 80-89mm Hg) is a common phenomenon even among young university students. About 4 out of 10 study participants had this condition at baseline.

Periodontal disease was not a risk factor for students developing elevated blood pressure over 3 years.

In several other studies, gum disease has been strongly associated with blood pressure and even hypertension; this study supports this connection using a prospective approach.

The mouth is part of the body. Your patients will be interested.

For more information, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/gum-disease-and-high-blood-pressure-2/

By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – www.partnersinprevention.ca

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