When you go in for your routine cleanings and checkups, your dental team often starts by taking your blood pressure. This is normal for a doctor’s appointment, but what does blood pressure have to do with your teeth? Believe it or not, your vital signs play an essential role for your oral health. Continue reading to learn why your dentist takes your blood pressure and what it tells them.
Detects Health Complications
Did you know that your oral health is significantly impacted by your general health? For example, if you have advanced gum disease, it can eventually enter your blood stream, contributing to more serious issues, like diabetes and heart problems. Your dentist knows this, so it’s important that they take every step they can to promote your overall wellbeing. Your blood pressure can reveal a lot about your current medical condition, and everyone has their own normal, so regularly tracking your vitals during your visits can determine if something abnormal is going on.
Needed to Choose Anesthetics
Local anesthesia is essential for many dental procedures. It works by numbing the area that needs to be treated, making the patient feel at ease and helping the dentist to work more efficiently. Blood pressure readings are essential before undergoing dental work, as this helps dentists choose which anesthetic is ideal. Many anesthetics include epinephrine. This hormone helps to prolong numbing, but it also contracts the blood vessels, including blood pressure. If you already have hypertension, this increases your risk of various medical emergencies.
Checks Up on Your Anxiety
Many people experience dental anxiety at one severity or another. This can make your body react in a variety of ways, including increasing blood pressure. This is especially the case if you already have hypertension. If your blood pressure is high due to anxiety, your dentist should know this so they can help you to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If there is ever anything that your dentist can do to make you feel more at ease, don’t hesitate to let them know.
There is a strong connection between oral health and your overall health. Checking in on your vitals during your appointments is just one of many ways your dentist works to treat you as appropriately and safely as possible.
About the Practice
At Brown & Nawrocki, Dr. Andrew Nawrocki and Dr. Kimberly Dennis work together to treat patients in the Ormond Beach community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they nee dunder one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (386) 677-1046.