High Blood Pressure and Oral Health

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Uncategorized

As you’ve probably heard from your dentist during your cleanings (or in another one of these blogs!), having good oral health is essential to having good overall health. We tend to think of this correlation as a preventative measure rather than one that can dial back health issues you already have. However, for the 1 in 3 Americans who already have high blood pressure, we may have some good news.

New research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017 suggests that intensive treatment for gum disease can actually lower high blood pressure! 107 Chinese men and women with high blood pressure and moderate to severe gum disease received either standard or intensive periodontal treatment. In the patients who received the intensive treatment, their blood pressure dropped significantly over the subsequent months, with systolic blood pressure down by 13 points, and diastolic blood pressure down 10 points after six months.

Of course, this research is fairly new, and periodontal treatment isn’t a cure-all for cardiovascular issues. However, if you have gum disease in addition to high blood pressure, scheduling a visit for some periodontal care certainly can’t hurt!

Source

Which Toothpaste Can You Trust?

With what feels like a million different toothpastes lining store shelves, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. From whitening promises to “natural” labels and premium pricing, how do you know which toothpaste is actually worth it? Here’s what to look for when selecting a toothpaste you can trust. Toothpaste Credibility: Look for the ADA […]

Texas Boy Overcomes Tongue-Tie After Life-Changing Treatment

You’re probably familiar with the phrase “getting tongue tied,” which refers to feeling too shy or embarrassed to speak. But for 8-year-old Mason Motz in Texas, he’s feeling anything but shy. What is Tongue-Tie? According to an article from Inside Edition, Mason spent the first five years of his life unable to speak a word. […]

What Your Bone Type Could Mean for Dental Implant Treatment

Considering dental implants? One of the most common answers you’ll hear from a dentist is, “It depends.” That’s because many factors affect implant success — including the type of bone at the implant site. Understanding your bone type can help you know what to expect for treatment and healing. The Four Bone Types and How […]

Waxed vs. Unwaxed Dental Floss: Which One Should You Use?

If you’ve ever shopped for dental floss (and you really should!), you may have noticed there are two common varieties of traditional nylon floss: waxed and unwaxed. While they both serve the same purpose, they feel very different and can work better for different mouths. If you’ve ever wondered which type is best, here’s a […]

A Tooth Growing Inside the Nose? A Rare but Real Dental Condition

Imagine visiting your doctor for a stuffy, runny nose that just won’t go away — and discovering that the cause is a tooth growing inside your nose. It may sound unbelievable, but this rare condition has been documented in medical literature. In fact, according to an article from Live Science, one man received this exact […]