Blood Pressure and Dentistry? What Experts Say About How Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Oral Health

If you’ve been to the dentist lately, you might recall a dental assistant taking your blood pressure before a procedure—especially if it involves anesthesia (local or otherwise). But why?

Blood pressure is an important measurement when it comes to getting a snapshot of your current health and can be predictive, too, of your future health. Blood pressure that reads around 120/80 is generally considered healthy, but the index can be adjusted slightly based on things such as gender, age, etc.

Higher blood pressure—especially over a long period of time—can be hazardous to vessel walls, organs, or may indicate other systemic chronic health concerns.

In this vein, dental teams will often take blood pressure measurements as a preventative health screening. It helps them to monitor your level of anxiety, make sure you’re in an optimal state to receive medication, and help prevent complications.

In the broader sense, checking up on this metric regularly also provides valuable information about a person’s projected health—and that includes oral health.

In recent years, experts have found a documented connection between oral health and hypertension. Research indicates inflammation from severe gum disease (periodontitis) can negatively impact cardiovascular health (and vice versa). Conversely, medications used to treat high blood pressure often list dry mouth as a side effect, thus increasing risk of dental disease like cavities and periodontitis (gum disease).

For these reasons and more, blood pressure is closely monitored by dentists and doctors alike. If you have concerns about your blood pressure levels, visit a physician or ask for a screening at a pharmacy. They can then direct you to resources that can help (including medications) and inform you about suggested lifestyle changes you should make.