Checking your blood pressure during a dental visit might seem routine, but it’s more important than you might think. In fact, it’s truly a valuable and vital sign.
That’s because high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is a leading contributor to heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Detecting this condition early, whether at your doctor’s office or dentist’s, allows for timely intervention to manage high blood pressure before it becomes life-threatening.
Hypertension happens when blood flows through your arteries at higher pressure than normal. Many people with hypertension don’t realize they have it because there are often no symptoms – until it becomes a medical crisis.
Two Numbers That Say A Lot About Your Health
A blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number, systolic pressure, measures the force as your heart pumps blood out. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the resistance when your heart refills with blood between heartbeats. A normal reading is below 120/80. If your numbers are consistently higher, it may indicate hypertension. The higher the numbers, the more dangerous it is to your health.
According to the AHA, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction. It can also cause atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Link Between Blood Pressure and Oral Health
Did you know your blood pressure and oral health are more connected than you might think? Research shows they affect each other in ways that go beyond the surface.
Gum disease can elevate your blood pressure. Inflammation and bacteria from infected gums don’t just stay in your mouth, they travel through your body, increasing blood pressure and putting your heart health at risk.
On the flip side, hypertension has been linked to a greater risk of gum disease and even reduced saliva production, which can leave your mouth more vulnerable. While more research is still needed, the connection is clear: your mouth and heart affect one another.
Which brings us to that simple blood pressure measurement during your dental check-up. Two powerful numbers that can change your health and life.
That’s why a simple blood pressure check during your dental visit can reveal so much. Two small numbers could make a life-changing difference for your health. Take care of your smile – it’s connected to your whole body, especially your heart.
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Smile Generation blog articles are reviewed by a licensed dental professional before publishing. However, we present this information for educational purposes only with the intent to promote readers’ understanding of oral health and oral healthcare treatment options and technology. We do not intend for our blog content to substitute for professional dental care and clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment planning provided by a licensed dental professional. Smile Generation always recommends seeking the advice of a dentist, physician, or other licensed healthcare professional for a dental or medical condition or treatment.
