When you visit your dentist for a dental checkup in Fargo, it’s common for your blood pressure reading to be taken. This is done because high blood pressure (hypertension) is considered, if ignored, to be a silent killer. To raise awareness about the importance of having one’s blood pressure checked, health professionals are joining forces this May to celebrate High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Read on to learn about the valuable role your oral health plays in avoiding hypertension and how a preventive care visit could be a life saver!
Why Your Blood Pressure Shouldn’t be Ignored
Hypertension is considered to be the most common controllable cause of stroke, which is a blockage of the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Some of the common stroke symptoms are numbness on one side of the body, muscle weakness and slurred speech.
Another problem that can arise from prolonged elevated blood pressure is heart disease, which is the leading cause of death associated with hypertension. The latter makes the heart work harder because it narrows the arteries, and it reduces the natural elasticity.
The Important Role Your Dentist Plays
Unfortunately, most people who suffer from hypertension are unaware of the condition. Thus, at any appointment with a health professional, a blood pressure reading should be taken.
When you visit your dentist for preventive care, before any work commences, this measurement is taken to make sure you’re not in any immediate danger. If your reading is high, your dentist will bring it to your attention so you can alert your primary care physician.
How Oral Health Impacts Blood Pressure
Because your overall wellness relies on a symbiotic and harmonious relationship between the different bodily systems, when you have oral health issues like accelerated bacteria growth that leads to gum disease, it can eventually lead to elevated blood pressure levels. This is partly due to plaque buildup that causes harmful inflammation as it travels throughout the body.
Ways to Prevent Hypertension
As it pertains to your oral health, here are some ways to prevent hypertension:
- Monitor your consumption of foods high in sugar that are highly attractive to bacteria.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day.
- Maintain regular visits to your dentist where your blood pressure will be taken. You’ll also benefit from having your teeth professionally cleaned.
The moral to the story is to always place a greater emphasis on prevention. So reach out to your dentist in Fargo today to schedule a visit!
About the Author
Dr. Stacy Goodwill is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. Throughout her career, she has remained eager to continue learning, which is why she has completed advanced training with SPEAR Education. Dr. Goodwill understands that hypertension can be life-threatening. Thus, her staff measures the blood pressure of each patient who enters her office. She provides preventive care at Cornerstone Dental, and she can be reached for more information through her website.