Screening for hypertension in a public dental clinic: A single-centre cross-sectional study in Australia

Background : Markers of poor oral health are associated with hypertension. This study aimed to determine hypertension awareness, treatment and control, among older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) adults attending a public dental clinic and examine the relationship between hypertension and oral health. Methods : This cross-sectional study recruited participants aged ≥18 years from a public dental clinic in Australia between November 2022 and May 2023. Two blood pressure readings were obtained using an automated device and the average used for analyses. Demographic, oral health and medical history details were obtained via survey. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg, or being aware (self-reported diagnosis), and treated with anti-hypertensive medication. Results : Participants (n=302) were middle aged (mean 59.9 ± 17.5 years, 51.5% ≥ 65 years, 60.7% female), one third had significant tooth loss (<20 teeth), half required treatment for periodontitis and 52.0% had hypertension (95% CI: 46.2%, 57.7%). Of those with hypertension (n=157), 82.7% were aware, 76.9% were treated for hypertension, and 56.6% of those treated had controlled blood pressure. Although older adults were more likely than younger adults to have hypertension (74.2% vs 28.1%), younger adults were less likely to be aware and treated (70.7% vs 86.8%, 56.1% vs 86.8%, respectively). Markers of poor oral health were not independently associated with hypertension. Conclusions: In a population with a high burden of oral disease, many were hypertensive, and younger adults were less likely to be aware and treated. Oral health practitioners could play an important role in primary care by screening younger adults with significant oral disease for undiagnosed, or uncontrolled hypertension.