The impact of oral health on blood pressure
The link between oral hygiene and high blood pressure is often discussed. A recent American study looked into this. It aimed to find out whether there is a connection between self-reported gum disease or tooth loss and high blood pressure.
The researchers found that women who lost teeth during this period were more likely to develop high blood pressure. The association was especially strong in women under 60. This is thought to be due, at least in part, to changes in eating habits after losing teeth.
The researchers conclude that good dental care may also help prevent high blood pressure. If good care prevents tooth loss, the risk of developing high blood pressure is reduced. Of course, this is just one factor in preventing the condition and can't replace a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity.
The previously reported link between gum disease and high blood pressure was not confirmed in this study, but it should be investigated further.
This matters because gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Earlier studies focused especially on the bacteria that cause gum inflammation. These pathogens can spread through the body and also damage blood vessels. They cause inflammatory processes in the vessels that make the vessel walls stiffer and more fragile and promote narrowing. One possible consequence is high blood pressure.
Interestingly, blood pressure can decrease again after successful treatment of the teeth and gums.
Interestingly, blood pressure can decrease again after successful treatment of the teeth and gums.
In summary, people with high blood pressure can benefit from good oral hygiene.
Sources
- https://www.wissenschaft-aktuell.de/artikel/Bluthochdruck_bei_Parodontitis1771015590883.html
- https://dgparo.de/gesund-im-mund/herz-kreislauf/
- https://www.iww.de/zr/parodontologie/bluthochdruck-parodontitis-bei-vielen-betroffenen-steigt-unbemerkt-der-blutdruck-f139766
- https://academic.oup.com/ajh/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ajh/hpy164/5209925
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 01/2026).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
