Blood Pressure in Patients Attending an Out-of-Hours Dental Clinic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate blood pressure in patients attending an out-of-hours dental clinic, including oral surgery treatment, and compare it with the 2019 National Health and Nutrition Survey (National Survey) in Japan. The prevalence of treated hypertension and diabetes was also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients aged 20 years or older who visited the out-of-hours dental clinic between February 19, 2013, and May 8, 2024. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the prevalence of treated hypertension and diabetes were compared with the National Survey. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables where appropriate. All statistical tests were two-sided, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using js-STAR software v9 (www.kisnet.or.jp/nappa/software/star/index.htm; developed by Satoshi Tanaka and Hiroyuki Nakano, Japan).

RESULTS

A total of 2511 out-of-hours dental clinic outpatients were included in the study. The distribution was 1344 (53.5%) male and 1167 (46.5%) female patients, with a gender ratio of 1.2:1. Blood pressure was significantly higher in out-of-hours dental clinic patients compared to the National Survey (p < 0.001), except for specific age/gender groups. The prevalence of treated hypertension and diabetes was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05), except for certain subgroups.

CONCLUSION

The out-of-hours dental clinic patients exhibited significantly higher blood pressure than the general population, suggesting a need for careful monitoring. The comparable prevalence of treated hypertension and diabetes indicates potential undiagnosed cases, highlighting the importance of systemic health assessments in out-of-hours dental care.