Tooth loss increases the risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke

Older women who lose all of their teeth have a higher risk of developing hypertension, says a study conducted by University of Buffalo (Buffalo University) and published in the American Journal of Hypertension. His goal was to determine the relationship between oral hygiene and hypertension, which, in turn, may lead to myocardial infarction and stroke.

Numerous studies have shown a link between periodontal diseases and tooth loss with hypertension, but the nature of this relationship remains unclear.

Participants in the study were 36 692 postmenopausal women in the framework of observational studies initiative for women’s health (Womens Health Initiative Observational Study). Women undergo annual dental and medical checkups to detect hypertension, starting from the initial periodontal assessment in 1998 and until the end of 2015.

After analyzing the results the researchers found a positive link between loss of teeth and risk of high blood pressure in postmenopausal women. In particular, these women have a risk of developing hypertension during follow-up were approximately 20% higher than that of women with their teeth. Proved stronger relationship among young women and women with lower body mass index.

Although scientists are unsure of the reasons for the correlation between these two factors, they believe that tooth loss can cause changes in diet that increase the risk of developing hypertension.

We continue to study the main causes of the link between tooth loss and hypertension. Further study of the effect of tooth loss on diet, inflammation and a community of bacteria living in the mouth, can give us a deeper understanding of this connection, said study co-author Joshua Gordon (Joshua Gordon).

The study suggests that older women who had lost teeth, are a group with a higher risk of developing hypertension.

These data indicate that tooth loss may be an important factor in the development of hypertension. Further research may help us to determine the basic mechanisms, which are associated with these two common diseases, said Jean Wactawski-Vende (Jean Wactawski-Wende), one of the authors of the study.

To reduce the likelihood of developing hypertension, the researchers recommend that women at risk of losing teeth, improve oral hygiene and to take preventive measures more careful blood pressure monitoring, diet changes, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

Valeria SEMA