No elective dental treatment should be done on a patient with uncontrolled, severely high blood pressure – this includes getting your teeth cleaned! If your blood pressure is high, it can also lead to problems in the mouth such as increased bleeding or difficulty with freezing (local anesthetic).
Unfortunately, if your blood pressure is 140/90 or above, you may not be a candidate for a certain dental procedure until after your hypertension has been resolved.
This is because undergoing dental procedures can cause your blood pressure to spike higher, leading to dangerous medical situations in individuals who already have high blood pressure before dental work. Common causes of the spike in blood pressure during dental work may include: Patient's anxiety about the procedure.
As licensed health-care professionals, it is the standard of care for dental hygienists to assess and record blood pressure on all of their patients.
For example, breathe deeply and exhale slowly several times before your blood pressure reading. Reciting a poem or verse in your mind may help you relax also. Visualize a pleasant scene, the woods, beach or a beautiful sunset. At our office you can ask for our Bose headphones that play soothing music.
The study found that patients diagnosed with periodontitis (gum disease) receiving periodontal scaling and root planing treatment (a deep cleaning), had systolic blood pressure lower by nearly 13 points and diastolic blood pressure lower by nearly 10 points six months after treatment.
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.
Worryingly, however, the new study shows that chlorhexidine, an antiseptic substance in mouthwash, may kill NO-producing bacteria, which in turn, may raise systolic blood pressure.
Study Highlights:
Poor oral health may interfere with blood pressure control in people diagnosed with hypertension. Periodontal disease — a condition marked by gum infection, gum inflammation and tooth damage — appears to worsen blood pressure and interferes with hypertension treatment.
Although most dental procedures are relatively safe, your dentist may recommend you cancel or postpone your root canal if your blood pressure is at an abnormal level to avoid any potential threats to your health.
We recommend using fluoride toothpaste as this helps to prevent bleeding gums and other risks associated with your blood and heart. Rinsing thoroughly and using fluoride toothpaste can aid in reducing bacterial which ultimately reduces exposure to hypertension or high blood pressure.
Although most dental procedures are relatively safe, your dentist may recommend you cancel or postpone your root canal if your blood pressure is at an abnormal level to avoid any potential threats to your health.
The stress from getting dental work done can also cause high blood pressure. Dentists can check blood pressure before they start to ensure your health during the dental check-up.
Poor oral health may interfere with blood pressure control in people diagnosed with hypertension. Periodontal disease — a condition marked by gum infection, gum inflammation and tooth damage — appears to worsen blood pressure and interferes with hypertension treatment.
By refusing, you are consequently putting your own health at risk and your dentist will most likely refuse to proceed. Taking your oral health seriously is important to your overall health and well-being. Taking the time to check these key health measures is an incredibly important step in your dental treatment.
The study found that patients diagnosed with periodontitis (gum disease) receiving periodontal scaling and root planing treatment (a deep cleaning), had systolic blood pressure lower by nearly 13 points and diastolic blood pressure lower by nearly 10 points six months after treatment.
Worryingly, however, the new study shows that chlorhexidine, an antiseptic substance in mouthwash, may kill NO-producing bacteria, which in turn, may raise systolic blood pressure.