If you are post-menopausal and are missing teeth, your risk of high blood pressure could increase. A recent American study discovered a link between hypertension (high blood pressure) and tooth loss in post-menopausal women. Researchers found older women who had lost teeth were at a 20% higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
Why Is This?
One possible reason is that missing teeth makes it harder to eat crunchier and potentially more nutritious foods, whereas less nutritionally dense, processed and softer foods can be easier to chew. A change in diet could increase the risk of hypertension. Also, older women may
naturally be at higher risk of developing hypertension. Losing teeth might just be a clinical sign warning of the increased risk of hypertension.
Reducing These Risks
Preventative dentistry can do a lot to help reduce the risk of tooth loss, and potentially hypertension. Improved oral hygiene combined with dietary modifications, closer blood pressure monitoring and increased exercise could lower the risk of hypertension. Researchers aren’t sure of the exact connection between hypertension and tooth loss, but we already know that general health and oral health are intimately connected. When you look after your teeth and gums, it can help to protect your overall health.
We think these are excellent reasons for regular checkups here at Coastal Smiles. Also, we carefully tailor each preventative dental care plan to the specific needs and age of the patient because everyone’s dental health is unique.
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