The heart wants what it wants, and your heart wants you to take care of your mouth. According to several studies, gum disease is associated with heart disease. Which means it’s important to have good oral health habits, especially for those who are afflicted with heart conditions.
And part of your oral health regimen should include regular communication with your dentist.
Here are 3 heart conditions that you should tell your dentist about now:
1. HEART MURMURS
If oral surgery is on your calendar, be sure to bring up whether you have heart murmurs to your dentist long before it’s time to go in. Heart murmurs can lead to an increased risk of infection during oral surgery due to bacteria in your mouth. If mouth bacteria enter into the bloodstream, it can travel to the heart where it will stick to the valve or the lining, causing bacterial endocarditis.
2. HEART ATTACK
If you’ve recently suffered a heart attack, you may need to postpone any upcoming dental treatment. Cardiac patients are sometimes prescribed blood-thinning drugs, which could cause complications during oral procedures, and there’s a chance for bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream.
3. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Roughly 31% of adults in Hawaii have high blood pressure, which puts the state close to the healthiest ones in the union. However, this number highlights how common a condition it is. High blood pressure medications cause dry mouth, a condition that can lead to increased mouth bacteria and the potential for cavities and even gum disease. This can put you at high risk for heart disease as well.
Show your heart some love by practicing good oral health habits AND consult your dentist about your existing medical conditions, any medications you take, and future procedures.
Learn more about how poor oral health can affect you as you age with this blog.
