KIMS Oman Hospital stresses on oral care in heart patients

Date

8/1/2016 1:14:10 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Are oral health and heart diseases connected? This been debated among healthcare experts for years.

Even though medical specialists are divided on this vital question, it's important to exercise caution regarding oral health issues if a patient has a history of heart diseases.

Patients with stable angina (chest pain that occurs in a predictable pattern) can undergo any dental procedure. But those who have unstable angina (new chest pain or unpredictable chest pain) should stay away from elective (non-essential) dental procedures.

If they need to undergo any emergency dental procedure, it should be performed in a hospital equipped with the most advanced cardiac monitoring facilities.

If a patient is taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants) following a stroke in the past, those medications could cause excessive bleeding during some oral surgery. So, it is essential that such patients should inform their dentists about the medications they are taking and past health issues. Modern dentistry has developed various techniques to address the oral issues that a stroke patient may face, including the use of artificial saliva, fluoride gels, modified brushing, flossing or rinsing techniques.

Certain drugs for high blood pressure can cause dry mouth, change in the sense of taste or the gum tissue to swell or overgrow. Gum overgrowth requires detailed oral hygiene practices and in some cases, a gum surgery called gingivectomy to remove excess gum tissue.

Dr Smitha Tharakan, specialist- dental Surgery, KIMS Oman Hospital, said, 'Whenever you have an appointment with a dentist, it's very important that you share the names and dosages of all the drugs you take for your heart condition. If you find it uncomfortable about undergoing a dental procedure, it's always better to consult your cardiologist as well.'

Oral health is not a key factor in preventing heart diseases. But it is essential to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, replacing toothbrushes every three months and consulting your dentist regularly.

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