Heart Medication
and Your Smile
Have you or someone
you know been diagnosed with heart disease or high blood pressure? If
so, your physician may have prescribed a number of various medications
to address these conditions, some of which may affect your periodontal
health or even put you at risk for periodontal disease.
Some commonly prescribed
medications can cause dry mouth, increased plaque or enlarged gum tissue.
The conditions described set the stage for bad breath and bleeding gums
because they frequently promote bacterial infections under the gum line.
It is important
that you treat your heart disease or high blood pressure and discuss
the medications you have been prescribed with your dentist to find out,
if any, they are having on your periodontal health.
Your dentist will
work with you and your physician to minimize the risk of periodontal
disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Fortunately, good oral hygiene and more frequent dental care is all
you need to keep your smile healthy as you keep your heart happy.
