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New research published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal, indicates a link between periodontitis and high blood pressure. The study involved 250 adults with severe gum disease and 250 adults with healthy gums, all of whom were otherwise healthy. Individuals with gum disease were twice as likely to have systolic blood pressures higher than 140 mm Hg compared with individuals without gum disease.
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— Kate Jackson, editor |
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Hypertension: What Does Gum Health Have to Do With It?
Adults with periodontitis, a severe gum infection, may be significantly more likely to have higher blood pressure compared with individuals who had healthy gums, according to new research published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal.
Previous studies have found an association between hypertension and periodontitis; however, research confirming the details of this association is scarce. Periodontitis is an infection of the gum tissues that hold teeth in place that can lead to progressive inflammation, bone loss, or tooth loss. Prevention and treatment of periodontitis is cost-effective and can lead to reduction of systemic markers of inflammation as well as improvement in function of the endothelium (thin membrane lining the inside of the heart and blood vessels).
“Patients with gum disease often present with elevated blood pressure, especially when there is active gingival inflammation, or bleeding of the gums,” says lead study author Eva Muñoz Aguilera, DDS, MClinDent, senior researcher at UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London, United Kingdom. “Elevated blood pressure is usually asymptomatic, and many individuals may be unaware that they are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications. We aimed to investigate the association between severe periodontitis and high blood pressure in healthy adults without a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension.”
The study included 250 adults with generalized, severe periodontitis (≥50% of teeth measured with gum infection) and a control group of 250 adults who did not have severe gum disease, all of whom were otherwise healthy and had no other chronic health conditions. The median age of the participants was 35 years, and 52.6% were female. The research was completed in collaboration with the department of dentistry at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.
All participants underwent comprehensive periodontal examinations including detailed measures of gum disease severity, such as full-mouth dental plaque, bleeding of the gums, and the depth of the infected gum pockets. Blood pressure assessments were measured three times for each participant to ensure accuracy. Fasting blood samples were also collected and analyzed for high levels of white blood cells and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as both are markers of increased inflammation in the body. Additional information analyzed as confounders included family history of cardiovascular disease, age, body mass index, gender, ethnicity, smoking, and physical activity levels.
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The Impact of COVID-19 in Long Term Care
Learn how the pandemic is affecting transition planning at a reactivation care center in Canada. Read more »
Technological Innovations in SNFs
The benefits of contact-free continuous patient monitoring at skilled nursing facilities are numerous. Read more »
Virtual Programming Hones Empathy Skills
A new type of interactive training teaches caregivers actionable skills, improving their confidence and competence in dealing with older adults. Read more » |
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Cannabis Use Among Older Adults
Cannabis use by older adults has been rising, fueled in part by increased legalization. But the pandemic has also contributed, with more using and many increasing their intake. The New York Times reports on the risks and benefits.
A Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers?
It’s an ethical question that’s stirring up controversy across the country: Should workers in health care facilities be forced to become vaccinated against the coronavirus? The Washington Post looks at the arguments for and against.
New Hope for Migraine Patients
A new treatment may bring relief to millions who suffer from migraine headaches. Delivered through a pen, erenumab (Aimovig) is one of a group of monoclonal antibodies that inhibit calcitonin gene-related peptide, a neurotransmitter. Four such antibodies were approved by the FDA in the last few years for the treatment of migraine. Science News looks at the promise of these new strategies.
The Dark Side of Experimental Antibody Treatments
Experimental antibody treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have not demonstrated the promise in humans that clinical trials in mice suggested, reports ScienceDaily. These drugs target protein clusters that damage brain cells, but researchers have learned that any benefit they may have may be counteracted by an adverse effect—brain inflammation. |
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Wound Care
Cutimed® Sorbact®, distributed by Essity, fights antimicrobial resistance. It attracts hydrophobic bacteria and fungi to its Sorbact® mesh and removes them using a physical mode of action—they’re lifted away with each dressing change to help promote faster wound healing and reduce the risk of generating resistant strains of bacteria. Because it binds and lifts away pathogens as opposed to killing them, the technology prevents the release of endotoxins that could impair recovery. Learn more »
A Tool Against Apnea
To improve sleep and treat snoring and sleep apnea, as well as enhance athletic performance, Alaxo Airway Stents can be worn for up to 18 hours per day and can be used with CPAP machines and oral devices. They also help address additional issues including rhinitis, sinusitis, and certain autoimmune diseases. To improve airflow and enhance breathing, they mechanically split the upper airway passage. Learn more » |
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