May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. At County Dental, we want to support our patients in raising awareness of high blood pressure and its correlation to gum disease. A recent study has shown high blood pressure and gum disease to have an unfortunate “symbiotic” relationship. In fact, avoiding gum disease and maintaining good oral hygiene has shown to be crucial in preventing and treating high blood pressure. To do our part, we want to educate you on how to maintain proper oral hygiene while avoiding gum disease with these 5 tips that can save you from high blood pressure!
1. Don’t Underestimate the Necessity of Your Daily Routine
Brushing and flossing are essential. For this reason, be sure that you are brushing twice a day for 2-3 minutes each time. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste as this helps to prevent bleeding gums and other risks associated with your blood and heart. Rinsing thoroughly and using fluoride toothpaste can aid in reducing bacterial which ultimately reduces exposure to hypertension or high blood pressure.
2. Consider a Good Mouth Wash
Did you know that mouth wash can reduce plaque by 20%? Using a good mouth rinse is never a substitute to brushing and flossing, but it will greatly benefit your oral hygiene. This helps to reduce chances of periodontal disease which can ultimately blood pressure increase or heart disease.
3. Avoid Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Doing this is beneficial in avoiding both gum disease and high blood pressure. Tobacco can immediately and temporarily raise your blood pressure. It can also weaken the lining in your artery walls, which vastly increases the risk to your circulatory system. Even second-hand smoke can cause risk to your artery health. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are also known causes of gum disease and oral cancer. Each step away from tobacco is a beneficial step for your oral and cardiac health.
4. Visit Your Dentist For A Routine Screening
Routine cleanings are important for combatting plaque build up and monitoring the state of your oral health. So for the sake of your health, we always recommend that each person visits their dentist for a thorough cleaning once every 6 months.
5. Make Sure You Ask Your Dentist the Right Questions
While visiting your dentist for a routine cleaning and oral screening, we suggest discussing the following topics:
- Talk about any blood pressure or heart-related diseases you may have been diagnosed with if applicable
- Ask your dentist about the state of your gum health
- Request a personalized program of home oral care to meet your specific needs
- Ask about recommended steps to properly take care of your children’s oral health
- Ask if you exhibit any of the warning signs of gum disease:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Gums that pull away from teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Persistent bad breath
Recommended Steps to Further Prevent High Blood Pressure
County Dental wants to ensure that all patients that walk through our doors are properly cared for. Therefore, if you are due for a cleaning and oral screening, click here to schedule your appointment with our professional staff.
Don’t forget, our mission is always to get our patients the dental care they need at a price they can afford. Do not let a lack of dental coverage or maxed out benefits compromise your oral health. Click here to see how our in-office savings plan program can save you up to 70% on your dental treatments while giving each member 1 Free Teeth Cleaning per member per year!