(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
THERE is a link between oral health and hypertension.
Hypertension is related to difficulty in chewing, a condition that causes malnutrition.
Not only that, it leads to a decline in the general health of older adults, according to a new study conducted by Dr. Pinta Marito of the Division of Comprehensive Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Japan.
The study suggests that the risk of hypertension increased with age, higher sodium-to-potassium ratio, and lesser ability to chew.
Proper chewing is vital in lowering the risk of hypertension, the study concludes.
“The findings of this study will aid in the improvement of oral health, nutritional intake, and general health by reducing the development of hypertension and potentially extending the healthy life expectancy of older adults,” says Dr. Marito.
The prevalence of hypertension worldwide has more than doubled in the last 30 years, making it one of the leading causes of disease and mortality worldwide. In 2019 some 1.28 billion people suffered from hypertension.
In Japan, hypertension has become one of the leading causes of death among noncommunicable diseases
Alarmingly, Dr. Marito says, the number of people with hypertension in Japan is estimated to be 43 million, but only 50 percent received treatment, while 25 percent had controlled blood pressure.
Approximately 70 percent of older adult Japanese (75 years old and above) has hypertension.
The study assessed the role of dietary intake in the relationship between oral health and blood pressure.
Some 894 adults aged 65 years and above who independently lived in rural regions of Japan participated in the study.
Their oral condition was evaluated by analyzing the remaining teeth, the force of their bite, chewing performance, oral moisture, and oral bacterial level.
Dietary intake was assessed using a brief self-administered dietary history questionnaire.
The study factored in significant associations with hypertension: age, body mass index or BMI, mastication, and sodium-to-potassium ratio related to salt intake and/or vegetable intake.
Hypertension is a complex medical condition caused by several factors. Among them are gum disease, difficulty in chewing, and tooth loss.
However, the role of oral health in hypertension is yet to be clarified. Identifying the risk factors for hypertension, even those with marginal risk, is crucial to devise strategies to prevent the development of hypertension and thus prevent cardiovascular disease.
Several studies have reported that hypertension is associated with oral health, including impaired mastication, poor oral hygiene, and oral inflammation.
Oral health, which is an indicator of general health, can be affected by a range of diseases and conditions that include tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
The study was supported by the Hyogo Dental Association, 8020 Foundation, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Welfare Foundation, and by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
