high blood pressure and dentistry, holistic dental care, Dallas Center for Oral Health and Wellness, Dr. Anna Willison, Dallas TX dentist

3 Reasons High Blood Pressure Matters to Your Dentist

November 13, 2024 9:00 am

At a holistic dental practice, your health isn’t just about your teeth—it’s about supporting your entire body. High blood pressure is a vital part of this overall health picture, and your dentist considers it carefully during your visits. With the connection between oral health and general wellness, your dental appointments can also be an important opportunity to monitor your vitals as part of a holistic approach to care. Here are three reasons why your dentist cares about your blood pressure.

    1. Safety and Comfort During Treatment

    For patients with high blood pressure, certain procedures require extra care to ensure safety. For example, local anesthetics often contain epinephrine to control bleeding and prolong anesthesia, but epinephrine can slightly elevate blood pressure. Knowing your blood pressure allows your dentist to adjust treatments to minimize any risk. This ensures you’re comfortable and secure throughout your visit.

    2. The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

    Holistic dentistry emphasizes the connection between oral and systemic health. Research has shown that gum disease and oral inflammation may contribute to cardiovascular issues, including elevated blood pressure. Treating gum disease is not just about protecting your teeth—it’s about preventing bacteria and inflammation from impacting your overall health. By supporting your oral wellness, your dentist plays a role in reducing strain on your cardiovascular system.

    3. Managing Anxiety for a Calming Experience

    Holistic dentists know that emotional well-being is crucial to physical health. Since anxiety can lead to a temporary spike in blood pressure, your dentist takes a gentle approach to create a relaxing environment. Strategies like shorter appointments, guided breathing, and breaks help reduce stress, creating a safe, calm experience that benefits your entire system.

Proactive Health Screening Opportunity

Dental visits are also a valuable time to screen for general health concerns, especially if you’re not seeing your physician regularly. Checking blood pressure at your dental visits is a proactive way to monitor health changes early, providing holistic insight and encouraging follow-up care with your doctor if needed.

Visit Dallas Center for Oral Health and Wellness in Dallas, TX

At Dallas Center for Oral Health and Wellness, Dr. Anna Willison and Dr. Eugene Dahl take a holistic approach to dentistry, understanding that your oral health is interconnected with your overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience dental care that prioritizes your complete health!

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