Oral Health and High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious medical condition. It is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels higher than normal. Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage the heart and cause health problems when it stays high for a long time.  

In November 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a new clinical guideline on hypertension. The American Dental Association (ADA) reported the AHA and ACC updates in December 2017. The new clinical guideline states that normal blood pressure is under 120/80mm/Hg. 

How does poor oral health or infected gums (periodontal disease) affect patients with hypertension?

• The mouth is an ideal breeding area for bacteria. Patients who have poor oral health and infected gum tissues are at increased risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream and lead to increased blood pressure. 
• Infected gum tissues do not directly cause hypertension, but it is a risk factor of high pressure.
• 2018 study in the American Heart Association Journal reported that people with healthy gums respond better to their hypertension medication than those diagnosed with periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease were 20% less likely to achieve a “healthy” blood pressure range (below 120/80mm/Hg).

Dentists can spot potential signs of hypertension

• Dentists review the patient’s dental and medical history
• some medications you take for medical conditions may increase blood pressure.
• some health conditions may increase blood pressure.
• signs and symptoms of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth.
• Dentists check blood pressure
• blood pressure is checked at a dental check-up and dental cleaning appointment.
• blood pressure is checked before getting dental treatment.
• detecting hypertension in its early stages can help to prevent major medical problems later on.

Prevention of hypertension

• Avoid smoking-Tobacco use causes blood vessels to narrow, forcing the heart to pump faster which leads to high blood pressure.
• Watch your weight-Obesity and overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
• Exercise is good for the heart and blood pressure.
• Limit salty and fatty foods-Diet high in salt or fat can contribute to high blood pressure.

Dental Care for patients with hypertension

• Update medical history at every dental appointment
• Update on medications (list of medications currently taking)
• Take blood pressure at the start of every dental treatment
• Patients with elevated blood pressure
• Postpone the dental treatment
• Use local anesthetics without epinephrine
• Regular communication between the dentist and the patient’s physician
• Regular dental checkups 
• Review dental home care and oral hygiene: brush 2x per day and floss daily
• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

High blood pressure is referred to as “the silent killer.” 

Many patients have it and not know about it. Dentists are trained to treat your oral diseases and assess your overall health. Dentists may be one of the first health professionals to screen for high blood pressure by simply checking your blood pressure. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. People with healthy gums respond better to their high blood pressure medication and are more likely to have healthy and normal blood pressure.  Dr. Anna Lee can help you to maintain healthy teeth and healthy gums.  Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com

 

Coronavirus

                                         

At Dr. Anna Lee's dental office, your health and the health of our staff are of the utmost importance.  To ensure your health and the health of our staff, we follow universally accepted precautions in our operatories and office. Additionally, every half hour to an hour we wipe down the waiting room and common spaces with disinfectant.

For the protection of all our patients and staff due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus, we are requesting the following:

• If you have an illness or are exhibiting symptoms, we recommend you cancel and reschedule your dental appointment. Some illness and symptoms include:
• a cold or the flu
• fever or nausea
• severe headaches or body aches
• muscle or stomach pain, chest pain or difficulty breathing
• vomiting or diarrhea
• active tuberculosis (TB)
• mumps, measles, chickenpox
• other contagious disease
• Please notify our staff before your appointment if you or someone you are in close contact with have recently traveled to one of the countries with large outbreaks of COVID-19 (ex. China, Italy, Iran, South Korea) or if you have been exposed to someone else who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or who was quarantined as a precaution.

If you are healthy, there’s no need to cancel your regularly scheduled dental appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us immediately.   The below links provide additional information regarding the coronavirus:

• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov

Our team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information when warranted.  Thank you for your patronage.

Sincerely,

Anna Lee, D.D.S. & Staff

Oral and Dental Care for Patients with Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. The most common thyroid problems are involved with the overproduction and underproduction of thyroid hormones. A thyroid gland that produces too much hormone is called hyperthyroidism and not enough production is called hypothyroidism.
There are dental risks treating patients with uncontrolled thyroid disease. Patients with hyperthyroidism can have elevated blood pressure and pulse. It is dangerous to perform dental procedures on patients with elevated blood pressure. Regular communication between the dentist and patients’ physician is important in helping the patients to maintain and control the thyroid disease.
Some effects of Thyroid Disease on Dental Health:

• Dry mouth

▪ decrease saliva production

▪ mouth sores, tooth decay and difficulty swallowing

• Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

▪ middle-aged women or women in menopause develop BMS

▪ burning sensation on the tongue or the lips or the whole mouth

▪ bitter or metallic taste

▪ treatment for thyroid disease can improve the symptoms of BMS

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism on oral and dental health

• Salivary gland enlargement

• Compromised periodontium (gum infection)

• Dysgeusia (distortion of the sense of taste)

• Delayed dental eruption

• Enamel hypoplasia (thin enamel, vulnerable to dental decay)in primary and permanent dentition

• Anterior open bite (upper and lower front teeth don’t touch)

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Mouth breathing

Some Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism on oral and dental health

• Increased dental decay risk

• Increased periodontal disease risk

• Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Accelerated dental eruption

• Maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis

Recommendations on treating patients with Thyroid Disease

• Regular communication between the dentist and patients physician

• Update the patient’s medical history at every dental visit

▪ patient’s medication (list of medications currently taking)

▪ blood test (thyroid) ordered by the physician

• Take blood pressure at the start and end of the dental treatment

• Patients with elevated blood pressure and pulse

▪ postpone the dental treatment

▪ use local anesthetics without epinephrine

• Patients with dry mouth

▪ xylitol products in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and chewing gum prevent tooth decay and dry mouth

• Review dental home care

• Regular dental checkups

▪ dental exams and cleanings 2 times per year

▪ x-rays as needed

• Remind the patient to follow up with their physicians

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. With proper medical and dental care, symptoms of Thyroid Disease can be monitored, maintained and well-controlled. Please call our office at 626-335-5114      to schedule a dental checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.