Gum disease doubles the risk of high blood pressure

Gum disease doubles the risk of high blood pressure - Adults with periodontitis, a serious gum disease, may be twice as likely to have higher blood pressure compared to those with healthy gums, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gum tissues that can lead to chronic inflammation and destroy the bone that supports the teeth, leading to tooth loss. The study, published in the journal  Hypertension , found that 14% of people with periodontitis met the clinical threshold for hypertension (high blood pressure) in the UK, as opposed to 7% of a control group without periodontitis. The researchers also found that periodontitis was linked with higher blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals. Researchers say the findings show that consideration should now be given to dental health professionals carrying out high blood pressure screening, and referring affected patients to primary care doctors. Lead author Dr Eva Muñoz Aguilera (UCL Eastman Dental Institute) said: "Elevated blood pressure is usually asymptomatic, and many individuals with gum disease may be unaware that they are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications.