| Hypertension and Oral Health |
Did you know that one in four people suffer from hypertension (also referred to as high blood pressure)? Many don't realize it, and dentists who check a patient's blood pressure in their practices are often the first screening some people have for hypertension.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood flow puts increased pressure on blood vessel walls, and as a result can damage healthy arteries. This artery damage can lead lead to strokes, heart disease, or hemorrhage. Healthy blood pressure averages around 120/80 and any reading consistently above this should be checked by your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if needed.
High blood pressure is most common in those with a family history of hypertension, heart disease or diabetes, those who smoke, those who are overweight, and those who are not physically active. African Americans, people over the age of 55, and those who drink excessively or whose dietary needs are not being met are also at risk for hypertension.
Medication at your Dental Appointment
If you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, it's important to let your dentist know about it along with any medication you may be taking to treat the condition. The best time of day to schedule your dental appointments is generally in the afternoon. Because stress can cause a rise in blood pressure, try the tips below to ensure a successful dental appointment.
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Be sure to get a good night's rest the night before as well as taking any pre-medication needed for your appointment. |
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Avoid caffeine before your appointment and eat a regular well-balanced meal. |
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Don't rush to arrive, allow the time you need to get to your appointment. |
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Remind your dentist about your hypertension, and if stress is an issue for you, ask your dentist about the use of a sedative or nitrous oxide to keep your blood pressure down while you visit. |
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| Chipped Tooth, What Now?
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| A bicycle pile-up, a skateboard crash, or a playground incident all are common causes of chipped permanent teeth in children and teens. Once the chipped tooth mishap occurs, call our office as soon as possible for repair. Your dentist can repair the tooth with a technique known as composite bonding. This process utilizes tooth-colored composite resin to repair the chipped area. The resin is placed, molded and sculpted to the ideal shape. The procedure can be performed in a single visit and typically takes between 30 minutes to one hour to restore your child's smile. Your dentist will review additional options for future treatment as your child ages, as a dental crown may need to be placed at a later date. |
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| New Year's Resolutions |
New Year's Day is past, and many of you have made resolutions for the new year. This year, why not make some resolutions for your oral health? Here are some suggestions for New Year's Resolutions that are easy to keep.
Brush your teeth twice daily with your favorite toothpaste for at least two minutes. After you make your commitment to brush, be sure to tag on flossing daily to clean those hard to reach places between teeth that the brush can't reach. Next, resolve to eat healthier in 2015. A healthy diet often means healthy teeth - your smile will thank you!
Commit to visiting your dentist twice a year for a thorough oral exam and professional cleaning to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. If a problem arises in between visits, don't hesitate to call our office for a proper diagnosis and treatment if needed.
With just a little effort, you can keep your New Year's Resolutions and give yourself the gift of better oral health! |
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