Periodontitis is an infectious disease that can damage the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth. Periodontitis is caused by a plaque filled with bacteria attached to the teeth. The accumulation of plaque will lead to the formation of tartar which can irritate gums.

Plaque is formed from food leftover stuck on the teeth. For those of you who are 'lazy' to take care of your teeth, surely the risk of plaque accumulation will be even higher. The presence of periodontitis does not only indicate gum disease. In some studies, periodontitis is also often associated with diabetics. The presence of periodontitis is known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Not only that, in the results of a review published in Cardiovascular Research, researchers found that the presence of periodontitis can also indicate the risk of high blood pressure. Someone with moderate periodontitis has a 22% higher risk of hypertension. The risk will increase to 49% for those who have more severe periodontitis.

In their research, the researchers analysed 81 studies related to periodontitis originating from 26 countries. From this analysis, researchers found that blood pressure tends to be higher in those who have a history of periodontitis. Their systolic and diastolic blood pressure is known to be 4.5 mmHg and 2 mmHg higher than those without a history of periodontitis. According to researchers, an increase in blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg can be associated with an increased risk of death from a heart attack or stroke by up to 25%.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Aguilera, E.M., Suvan, J., Buti, J., Guzik, M.C., et al (2019). Periodontitis is associated with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cardiovascular Research, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvz201.
• Medical News Today - Severe gum disease is linked to 49% higher risk of hypertension (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326428.php, 1 October 2019.