When you visit your primary care practitioner for your annual physical, you probably expect to have your blood pressure taken. After all, it is an important health metric! But you might be surprised if your dentist also wants to take your blood pressure; at first, the connection to your oral health might not be clear. Why, then, might your dentist take your blood pressure? This blog post explains.
Your Overall Health and Its Connection to Oral Care
Your dentist does not view your mouth as separate from the rest of your body. Rather, your oral health and your general health are closely linked. Blood pressure acts as an essential indicator of your overall wellness. By checking your blood pressure at each visit, your dental team receives important information about your current health status and any risk factors that might influence your dental care.
Ensuring Safe Dental Treatment
Your safety is a top priority for your dentist! Many dental procedures, from routine cleanings to restorative work, may involve the use of local anesthetics or medications. Some of these drugs can affect blood pressure or interact with medications you already take for hypertension or other conditions. If you have undiagnosed or poorly controlled high blood pressure, certain dental treatments could place you at increased risk for complications, such as excessive bleeding or even cardiovascular events.
By assessing your blood pressure at the beginning of your appointment, your care team can determine whether it is safe to proceed with treatment or if additional precautions must be taken.
Monitoring for White Coat Hypertension and Anxiety
Many people experience an increase in blood pressure in medical settings, a phenomenon called “white coat hypertension.” The anxiety or stress associated with medical and dental appointments can cause your blood pressure to spike temporarily.
Your dentist wants to be able to distinguish between chronic hypertension and temporary increases in blood pressure related to nervousness. If your reading is higher than usual, your dental team may take separate measurements a few minutes apart, or they may recommend follow-up care with your primary physician. This careful monitoring helps prevent misdiagnosis and contributes to a higher level of care overall.
Identifying Undiagnosed Hypertension
You may not realize that you have high blood pressure, especially if you do not regularly see a primary care doctor. Dental visits offer another opportunity for health screening, since you usually see your dentist more frequently than your doctor. If your dental team observes elevated readings over several visits, you may receive a recommendation to consult your primary care practitioner. Early detection of hypertension allows you to take action to protect your heart, brain, and kidneys, thereby lowering your risk of serious health events in the future.
Blood pressure checks during dental appointments can play a large role in making sure you get the best care for your oral and overall health!
Meet the Practice
At Summer Creek Dentistry in Fort Worth, Dr. Jasmine King and our team are committed to providing top-quality care for our community. We may perform blood pressure checks and other basic analyses that help you keep an eye on your oral and overall health. We want to help you enjoy head-to-toe wellness! To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 817-292-7488.