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May 04, 2026 - minute readminutes read

High Blood Pressure and Gum Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.28 billion adults worldwide aged 30–79 years have hypertension. This often goes undetected and can lead to the development of several serious conditions if left untreated.

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While genetics and age play a role in developing hypertension, several factors are well within your control to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Let’s take a look at what hypertension is, why it’s a condition that should be taken seriously, and how improving your oral health can support overall cardiovascular health.

What is hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterised by elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them.

How blood pressure is measured

Medical professionals use a blood pressure cuff (called a sphygmomanometer) to measure the force of blood on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

This measurement consists of two numbers – systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

Systolic pressure is the measurement of pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats, while diastolic pressure is the measurement of pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.

What blood pressure numbers are considered high?

Blood pressure is considered normal when the systolic pressure is less than 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg. Between 120 and 130 mmHg is considered elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is consistently at or above 130 mmHg and/or the diastolic pressure is consistently at or above 80 mmHg.

Why high blood pressure increases health risk

High blood pressure puts increased strain on the blood vessels and organs throughout the body. Over time, this can cause damage to the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of several serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eye damage, and even cognitive decline.

In addition to these serious health problems, hypertension can also lead to other complications such as aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, strokes, and heart attacks.

How gum disease may be linked to high blood pressure

Research suggests there may be an association between gum disease and elevated blood pressure. A study conducted by University College London found that adults with periodontitis were more likely to have higher blood pressure compared to those with healthy gums.

One proposed explanation involves inflammation. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection of the gums. When this inflammation persists, inflammatory markers can enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation. Over time, this ongoing inflammatory burden may affect the lining of the blood vessels — known as the endothelium — which plays an important role in regulating blood pressure.

Some researchers have suggested that periodontal bacteria and the body’s immune response to them may influence vascular function well before a diagnosis of hypertension is made. While oral health is only one factor among many that contribute to blood pressure levels, maintaining healthy gums may support overall cardiovascular health as part of a broader prevention strategy.

Additional risk factors for developing high blood pressure

As noted earlier, hypertension can be passed down genetically, and older individuals have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

There are, however, additional – manageable – risk factors:

  • Being overweight or obese: Excess body weight puts added strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased blood pressure. In addition, excess body fat can cause hormonal changes that contribute to hypertension.
  • Not being physically active: Regular physical activity helps to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy, and can also help to maintain a healthy weight.
  • High-salt diet: Consuming too much salt in the diet can lead to water retention and increased blood volume, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.
  • Drinking too much alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

How oral care may support healthy blood pressure

Ensuring you maintain good oral health is a key to reducing your risk of developing hypertension. To do this, you should adopt a complete oral care routine:

Complete self-care with the 3 steps of oral care ritual: cleaning between teeth with GUM SOFT-PICKS, brushing with GUM SONIC DAILY battery toothbrush and mouthwashing with ActiVital mouthrinse

In addition, regular dental check-ups and cleanings will enable your dentist to recognize early warning signs of gum disease and help you develop a plan to counter its progress.

Finally, medical professionals recommend maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise to ensure you are doing your part to maintain healthy blood pressure.  

Understanding the mouth-body connection

Oral health and cardiovascular health are closely connected through inflammation. When gum disease is left untreated, chronic inflammation in the mouth may contribute to systemic inflammatory responses that affect blood vessel function and overall cardiovascular health.

learn more about the mouth-body connection

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