A study completed by the Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, and presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017, found that periodontitis treatment can significantly lower blood pressure for patients who were at risk of developing high blood pressure. The study was tested on 107 Chinese men and women aged 18 and older that had prehypertension along with moderate to severe gum disease.

The treatments were conducted based on the severity of the individual’s gum health. For moderate gum disease, treatment included teeth cleaning and plaque removal above the gum line along with instructions on proper oral hygiene. For individuals with more severe gum disease, the dentist performed a routine cleaning and cleaned down to the roots to remove plaque.

A month following the procedure, systolic blood pressure dropped almost 3 points for individuals with intense treatment, but there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure. Six months after the treatment, individuals that went through intense treatment saw systolic blood pressure drop about 13 points and diastolic blood pressure drop about 10 points.

High blood pressure is an issue that millions of adults in the US face. You can manage high blood pressure through diet and lifestyle changes, like exercise and a balanced diet. The impact of this study is important, not only for dental professionals but for everyone. For a healthy life, do not overlook your dental hygiene.

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