If you’ve ever gone to the dentist and had your blood pressure taken before your appointment, you might be wondering why that’s necessary. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common chronic cardiovascular conditions in the U.S. You may not think blood pressure and oral health are related, but in reality, there are a variety of reasons why it’s important for dental professionals to check your blood pressure before beginning treatment:
Prevention of Medical Emergencies
High blood pressure puts patients more at risk of stroke, heart attack, excessive bleeding, and hypertensive crisis during procedures. It’s important that our team is aware of this before starting any form of treatment to keep the patient as safe as possible.
Anesthesia Safety
If dental treatment involves the use of local anesthetics with epinephrine, this can raise blood pressure. This rise in blood pressure can increase a patient’s risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions if high blood pressure is already a concern.
Medication Side Effects
If a patient is currently taking antihypertensive medications to help with their high blood pressure, this can lead to oral side effects such as dry mouth or gingival hyperplasia. These can put a patient more at risk for oral health problems like tooth decay or gum disease. It’s important to let your dentist know about the use of these medications so they can monitor your smile for any adverse reactions.
While it might seem silly for a dental office to be checking your blood pressure, the reality is that it’s extremely important for keeping patients safe! If you have a history of high blood pressure, it’s crucial to let your dentist know prior to starting treatment. Our team is here to be your partner in supporting both your oral health and overall health!
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