Believe it or not, there is a critical link between your dental care and blood pressure. Hypertension, the clinical term for high blood pressure, is one of America’s most prevalent cardiovascular conditions. Still, we rarely hear about oral health consequences of the condition.
Our experts at Danville Family Dentistry are committed to helping our patients deepen their understanding of oral care. The more you know, the better we contribute to overall health and wellness. Let’s look at what patients with hypertension should know about oral care.
Healthy Gums & Blood Pressure
Studies show that periodontal disease worsens blood pressure and negatively interferes with hypertension medications. This is a condition characterized by gum infection and inflammation. In fact, compared to patients in good oral health, those with periodontal disease are 20% less likely to maintain healthy blood pressure ranges.
Those experiencing hypertension should particularly take note of symptoms. For example, red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. It is imperative to treat periodontal disease alongside hypertension. This will enhance the effectiveness of treatment, alongside lifestyle factors such as low sodium intake, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
Vital Signs & Dental Check-Ups
Let your dentists know about any health conditions or medications you are on. Particularly those especially relating to hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases. Dental offices are increasingly including vital sign check-ups as part of their practice, noting heart rate and blood pressure. Collecting this data before treatment helps a dentist use safe practices that don’t exacerbate a cardiovascular condition.
For example, we must carefully administer local anesthetics to patients with cardiovascular conditions. Some anesthetics used in a dental setting include vasoconstrictors. Vasoconstrictors constrict your blood vessels, so it’s crucial that your Danville dental team understand your current health condition. Similarly, some hypertension medication causes decreased saliva flow, which requires a change to your standard dental treatment.
In short, make sure you let us know about all your medications. We want to give you the best treatment in the safest, most relaxing environment. Your comfort is always our goal.
Your Dental Care and Blood Pressure: Our Commitment To You
It’s easy to forget that oral care plays a significant role in your overall health. Now that you know the links between dental care and blood pressure, take action. You can do many things to preserve your oral health.
All healthcare services—including dental care—must interact with each other. Blood pressure monitoring is an excellent example of a practice that we standardize in dental care to ensure all wellness systems are working well with one another.
At Danville Family Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing optimal oral care as a critical part of your overall wellness. Call us today at 317-745-4400 for an appointment with one of our top specialists.
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Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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