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Patients with heart disease have special needs when it comes to dental care. However, there are some tips to consider before visiting the dentist if you suffer from one of the following heart conditions.

For dental care after a heart attack, you should talk to your cardiologist when you want to undergo any dental treatments in case they recommend waiting. Also, you should tell your dentists near you if you are taking blood thinning drugs. These medications can result in excessive bleeding during some dental surgery procedures.

Finally, ask your dentist if nitroglycerin and oxygen are available in case a medical emergency arises during your office visits.

High Blood Pressure

Some drugs for high blood pressure can cause dry mouth or alter the sense of taste. For example, calcium channel blockers can cause gum tissue to swell and overgrow, resulting in difficulties in chewing.

If you experience gum overgrowth, your dentist in Surrey Newton gives you detailed oral hygiene instructions. They might also ask you to make more regular dental visits for cleanings. Sometimes, they may perform gum surgery to remove excess gum tissue, known as a gingivectomy.

If your oral procedure requires the use of anesthesia, you should ask your dentist if the anesthesia contains epinephrine. This is a common additive in local anesthesia products.

The use of epinephrine in some people with high blood pressure can result in cardiovascular changes, including heart attack, angina, rapid development of dangerously high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. So the anesthesia should be used with caution.

Chest Pain

People with chest pain treated with calcium channel blockers have gum overgrowth. In some cases, one might need gum surgery. Like people with a previous heart attack, people with just pain may want to ask their dentist if nitroglycerin and oxygen are available in case a medical emergency arises.

While patients with stable chest pain can undergo an oral procedure, people with unstable chest pain shouldn’t undergo non-essential dental procedures. Instead, emergency dental care should be performed in a hospital or office equipped with cardiac monitoring capability.

Stroke

If you’ve ever suffered a stroke, you should tell your dentist if you are checking blood thinning drugs. These medications consult in excessive bleeding during dental surgery procedures.

If this stroke has impaired their ability to produce enough saliva, your dentist recommends using artificial saliva. Also, if the stroke has affected your tongue, face, or arm, your dentist might recommend using flossing techniques or modified brushing, fluoride gels, and adding rinsing to help you maintain good oral hygiene.

Oral Health and Heart Failure

Some medicines used to treat heart failure, such as water pills or diuretics, can cause dry mouth. You should ask your dentist about dry mouth treatments that include artificial saliva.

Can Heart Patients have a Tooth Extraction?

Although this remains among the most common questions raised by both the attending dentists and patients, the answer is yes. Tooth extraction can be done for people with heart disease, but many factors should be considered before the procedure.

Points to Remember About Oral Care and Heart Disease

The first point is you should always give your dentist a complete list of names and dosages of all the drugs you might be taking for your heart condition. This helps your dentist decide on the best treatment calls for you that include the appropriate medications to use for dental procedures.

Ensure you give your dentist the name and phone number of your doctor in case they need to speak with your doctor about your care

Lastly, if you are nervous about undergoing an oral procedure because of your heart condition, ensure you talk with your dentist and heart doctor. Your doctor will provide you with information and work with you constantly to control dental pain and ease your fears.

Is there a Link Between Periodontal and Heart Disease?

The possible relationship between gum disease and heart disease is still being investigated. However, some researchers speculate that the bacteria in your mouth that are involved in the development of gum disease move into your bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels. The inflammation contributes to heart disease and stroke.

Visit us today at Newton Dental Group to get treated. Dentists are ready to answer any of your questions and concerns.