Many people with high blood pressure avoid the dentist for fear of raising it further. In fact, you can be examined and treated safely if you prepare properly and tell the dentist clearly.
- People with high blood pressure can still have dental care if they prepare properly and tell the dentist clearly.
- Take blood pressure medicine regularly as prescribed, bring a medicine list and avoid going hungry.
- Tell the dentist about other conditions and medicines, especially blood thinners.
- Dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath or a racing heart during treatment should be reported at once.
Anxiety, pain and tension in the dental chair can push blood pressure up. So people with high blood pressure need to prepare well so that examination and treatment can go safely.
Before the visit
- Take your blood pressure medicine regularly as prescribed by your treating doctor, including on the morning of the visit, unless told otherwise.
- Bring a list of the medicines you take or your prescription.
- Have a light meal beforehand and avoid going hungry.
- Get enough sleep and try to relax to reduce tension.
What to tell the dentist
- That you have high blood pressure and how long you have taken medicine.
- Other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and the medicines you take, especially blood thinners.
- Your recent blood pressure readings if you monitor them at home.
- Any history of reactions to local anaesthetic.
The dentist may measure your blood pressure before a procedure and choose the anaesthetic approach and timing to suit you. If your blood pressure is too high, the dentist may postpone the procedure so you can be adjusted first.
During treatment
Tell the dentist at once if you feel dizzy, have chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing heart or marked tiredness, so treatment can stop. Try to breathe steadily and do not hesitate to signal when you need a rest. For extractions, see extraction in people with heart disease or diabetes and how long bleeding lasts after extraction.
Daily oral care
- Some blood pressure medicines can dry the mouth or make the gums thicken. See dry mouth in people taking blood pressure medicine.
- Brush properly, clean between the teeth and have regular check-ups so problems are found early.
You can visit in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with high blood pressure have teeth extracted or filled?
Usually yes if blood pressure is controlled and you tell the dentist clearly about your condition and medicines. The dentist will measure your blood pressure and choose a suitable approach, and may postpone if it is too high.
Should I stop my blood pressure medicine before a dental visit?
Do not stop it on your own. Take your medicine regularly as prescribed by your treating doctor, unless told otherwise.
What should I tell the dentist?
That you have high blood pressure, other conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, the medicines you take especially blood thinners, your recent blood pressure and any history of reactions to anaesthetic.