New study links good oral hygiene to lower risk of high blood pressure
A new study has linked good oral hygiene to a lower risk of high blood pressure. Researchers from Buffalo University claim that women who have an effective dental hygiene regime are less likely to develop hypertension.
The study, which involved 36,500 women, found that women who had lost teeth were more likely to develop high blood pressure. Analysis suggested that those who had lost natural teeth had a 20% higher chance of being diagnosed with hypertension.
Researchers suggest that the study highlights the importance of looking after your teeth, with high blood pressure a major risk factor for heart disease, strokes, and dementia.
Professor Jean Wactawski-Wende, lead researcher, stated that tooth loss is an important indicator of hypertension risk. This latest study builds on information obtained by previous research teams, and underlines the strength of the connection between oral health and general health.
During the trial period, which spanned 18 years between 1998 and 2016, the Buffalo University team followed a group of post-menopausal women. They found that there was a significant link between dental health and hypertension risk, with women who had lost natural teeth up to 20% more likely to develop high blood pressure than those who still had their own teeth. The study found that the link was particularly strong in women at the lower age of the range scale and those who had a lower body mass index (BMI).
Research studies like this project highlight the importance of daily cleaning, not just for healthy teeth and gums, but also for superior general health.
Join this Discussion