Most of the time, we know what to expect when we visit the dentist’s office. You’ll arrive, fill out some paperwork, and after a brief stint in the waiting room, your appointment usually begins. However, you might be surprised to see your dentist taking your blood pressure prior to looking inside of your mouth. Here’s some insight into the reasoning behind this extra step and why it greatly benefits the care your dentist can provide.
It Determines Your Eligibility for Certain Dental Procedures
Your dentist’s top priority is making sure you’re eligible for any procedure you might need—they want you to be comfortable and safe! Unfortunately, the stress of going to the dentist can sometimes cause hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. Higher blood pressure can increase the likelihood of health problems, including emergencies like a stroke. If your blood pressure is too high, your dentist might have to forgo a planned procedure in the interest of your safety.
It Ensures Anesthesia Is Effectively Administered
In some cases, local anesthesia is an important part of dental work; it allows for maximum comfort during certain procedures. But some anesthetics include epinephrine, which helps to extend the numbing effect that you experience. Epinephrine also constricts your blood vessels, which can elevate your blood pressure. By monitoring your blood pressure, your dentist can ensure that you receive the correct dosage of anesthesia and that you remain comfortably numbed during the procedure—there will never be any guesswork involved!
It Can Identify Other Serious Problems
Often, symptoms for high blood pressure are subtle and easy to miss—meaning that a screening is your best bet to identify the first sign of a potential problem. So not only does having your blood pressure checked at the dentist benefit your mouth; it’s beneficial to your whole body! If you visit your dentist biannually as recommended, that’s two additional blood pressure screenings per year—meaning you should have a good handle on avoiding more serious conditions, including diabetes (which is heavily linked to gum disease) or cardiovascular disease.
Although the connection might not seem obvious at first, your blood pressure is closely tied to what’s happening in your mouth. By visiting your dentist regularly and allowing them to check your blood pressure, you’re ensuring that your smile receives the care it deserves—while also helping to protect the rest of you from serious issues.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard brings over 30 years of dental experience to patients and families in the Rancho Bernardo area. Dr. Howard received his DDS from the UCLA School of Dentistry, and he is also one of only 466 dentists worldwide to have earned Accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry! His practice offers a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. If you have any questions for Dr. Howard or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out through his website or by phone: (760) 599-6559.