Filling out paperwork, discussing your current medications, and providing a detailed medical history are common practices when meeting with your dentist. But why is taking your blood pressure necessary? This added component of your dental checkup reveals more than you realize. Keep reading to learn why your dentist cares about what your heart is saying.
Blood Pressure: What Does It Reveal?
Your dentist’s interest in your blood pressure can reveal many key aspects of your current health. Although it may seem odd to have a cuff applied when seeing your oral healthcare provider, the truth is that your mouth and body are closely connected.
When taking your blood pressure (BP), your dentist can determine:
- If you are stressed – Stress often causes blood pressure to rise. If a procedure is scheduled, or even a general cleaning is expected, your BP can rise to a dangerous level.
- Whether it’s safe to use local anesthesia – Since many treatments require local anesthesia, you may be unable to move forward if your BP is too high, as its administration restricts blood vessels, causing your BP to increase.
- The current state of your health – By allowing your dentist to take your blood pressure, they can establish a baseline for your health. This makes it easier for them to determine the kind of care you can receive during your appointment, helping prevent potential risks to your overall health and well-being.
Your Heart & Oral Health: How They’re Connected
Monitoring your blood pressure at each dental visit can also help your dental team better understand what might be happening inside your mouth. Researchers have discovered a link between gum disease and cardiovascular health, specifically high blood pressure.
When gum inflammation occurs, it can cause hypertension that, if left untreated, can lead to heart disease.
If your reading is around 140/90 or higher, this may indicate a more serious problem, one that requires careful dental planning for treatment and further examination by a local physician.
Your dentist has your best interests at heart. Taking your blood pressure is just another way to ensure your health and safety when caring for your smile.
About the Practice
Want a dental team that cares about more than just your smile? The experts at Westgate Dental Care understand how oral problems can negatively affect the rest of your body. This is why we take precautions to evaluate your overall health, including regular blood pressure readings. This provides a baseline to determine the safest course of action when planning your proposed treatment. We care about your comfort, safety, and well-being, so if you want to learn more about our approach to patient care, visit our website or call us at (847) 577-7171.