The study found that among 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/prehypertensive blood pressure (defined as systolic blood pressure 120-139mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure 80-89mm Hg) is a common phenomenon even amongst 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/
By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – www.partnersinprevention.ca
