Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
When you arrive for a dental visit, you are asked to complete a health history form, which asks various questions about your overall health. You might wonder why your dentist needs to know about your health and certain medications you are taking. After all, they are treating your mouth, not your body. But, your oral health and overall health are directly connected. So when there is an issue with your blood pressure, it could also affect how you receive dental care, as well as impact the health of your teeth and gums. Your family dentists in Bloomsburg at Hamilton Dental Care want you to know how high blood pressure could affect your oral health.
Why we ask about your heart health
Below are a few more reasons why your dentist may ask about your blood pressure, and whether you take blood pressure medication. The more information we obtain about your health, the better we can treat you. Dental anxiety is a condition that could cause your blood pressure to spike when you visit our Bloomsburg dental office. Also, some patients may be diagnosed with high blood pressure but are not taking medication for their condition. If your blood pressure gets too high during a procedure, it could cause complications such as a stroke. Since your family dentists in Lewisburg at Hamilton Dental Care place patient care as a top priority, we need to be prepared in the event a situation arises regarding your blood pressure or other medical conditions.
Anesthesia could affect your blood pressure
Local anesthetics are often used in dentistry to block pain in a specific area while receiving treatment. Many anesthetics include epinephrine, known to constrict blood vessels, which could be detrimental to a patient’s health when they have high blood pressure. In these cases, an epinephrine-free anesthetic may be used. If you inform your Bloomsburg general dentists that you have high blood pressure, we can adjust your care to ensure your safety and comfort.
Your medications could affect your oral health
Medications can sometimes have side effects that you may not understand or realize. Some medications cause dry mouth, which could lead to an increased risk of cavities, and gum disease. High blood pressure medications are known to cause dry mouth. To help combat the effects of your medications, your Danville dentists at Hamilton Dental Care advise patients to continue with their regular oral health regimen. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once a day, and maintain six-month dental appointments for checkups and cleanings. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider eating sugar-free candy to help stimulate saliva flow. Your dentist may also recommend additional oral care products to help combat dry mouth.
Family Dentists in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Considering the mouth and body connection, informing your dentist about medications or health concerns is essential to ensure your health and safety. If you are unsure if you have high blood pressure, contact your primary care physician for a checkup. To schedule an appointment with Hamilton Dental Care, feel free to call us at (570) 387-0533 or schedule an appointment online today.
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