Treatment of periodontitis can help reduce arterial tension 

Treatment of periodontitis significantly reduced blood pressure (BP) of patients with high risks of developing of hypertension. Such data were obtained in a study, the results of which were presented at scientific sessions of the American Heart Association in 2017 and have become one of the main global messages in the exchange of the latest advances in the study of the cardiovascular system between scientists and clinicians.

The study compared blood pressure after standard treatment and intensive treatment of periodontitis among 107 men and women aged over 18 years with borderline blood pressure (the upper limit of normal) and symptoms of moderate to severe periodontitis . By random distribution, half of the study participants received standard treatment, the other half received intensive care. Standard treatment contained basic instructions on oral hygiene and brushing with the removal of gums concretion. Intensive care included standard treatment along with tooth root cleaning under local anesthesia, antibiotic therapy and tooth extraction, if indicated.

One month after treatment, systolic blood pressure of the participants who received intensive treatment was almost three points lower, but significant difference in terms of diastolic blood pressure was not observed. Three months after treatment, systolic blood pressure was eight points lower and diastolic blood pressure was four points lower in the same group of patients. Six months after treatment, systolic blood pressure was 13 points lower, diastolic blood pressure - ten points lower.

"This study for the first time showed that intensive periodontal intervention can reduce blood pressure, reduce the severity of inflammation and improve endothelial function," - said the study's author, Dr. Zhang Tao, head of hypertension and cardiovascular disease office, Director of the Institute of Geriatrics in the First Affiliated University hospital of Sun Yat-sen in Guangzhou.

The results of this study once again demonstrate the importance of intensive and systemic preventive and curative measures in diseases of the oral cavity. The results show a positive impact not only on the local state of mouth cavity, but may become an important element in increasing the overall level of health and preventing of serious diseases such as hypertension, which can lead to serious, often fatal complications and disability.

Professional dental hygiene - comprehensive measures aimed at determining the condition of the teeth and removal of dental plaque by the most optimal modern methods. These activities should be carried out systematically with a clear individually selected frequency. Only professional hygiene helps maintain the health of teeth and paradontium. The frequency of visits to the dentist can vary from once or twice every 3-6 months and depends on the type of dental plaque and the initial state of periodontal tissues.