Chandler Dentist on Why Dentists Take Blood Pressure
Maintaining optimal oral health can reduce the risk for overall health issues. A regularly-scheduled checkup provides dentists with the opportunity to evaluate patients’ oral health and determine treatment if necessary. Many people fail to realize that dentists offer a lot more than simple cavity detection. Many patients can recall when their dentist or dental hygienist tested their blood pressure. Ever wonder why? Your Chandler dentist, Dr. Mark Arooni, discusses the reasons why dentists take blood pressure.
Hypertension in America
Blood pressure tests provide crucial information for people. If a person’s blood pressure exceeds 140/90 then they suffer from hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension in America can seem overwhelming. Currently, hypertension tops the list for causes of death in the United States. Hypertension can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and even kidney failure. Certain key life choices can affect a person’s likelihood of developing hypertension. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and neglecting physical activity can all increase the odds of hypertension development.
Dental Hypertension Concerns
Dental hygienists often serve as one of the first medical professionals to diagnose patients with hypertension. In many cases, a dental hypertension diagnosis stems from the fact that people don’t see their primary care physician with the same frequency. Often, patients will neglect visiting their doctor unless they experience extreme illness or suffer from a medical emergency. Since hypertension cases often go unnoticed and can lead to additional health issues, the American Heart Association insisted upon dentists testing for blood pressure. However, dental professionals also saw the need for blood pressure tests.
Patients with hypertension require special monitoring during complex dental procedures. Additionally, certain local anesthetics can cause a dramatic spike in blood pressure which could prove dangerous for patients with hypertension.
Dental professionals often hold the unique position of counselor to their patients. Hygienists can candidly speak with hypertension patients about making lifestyle changes in order to aid in lower their blood pressure. Additionally, a hypertension diagnosis provides additional opportunity for hygienists to warn patients about the dangers of smoking. The ability to promote a healthy lifestyle and potentially catch undetected hypertension highlights the importance of testing blood pressure in dental offices.
Schedule Your Visit
Concerned about your blood pressure? Visiting the dentist sooner than your physician? Visit Dr. Arooni twice a year for teeth cleanings, checkups, and blood pressure tests. Contact our Chandler dentist office by calling (480) 351-0963 today. We serve patients from Guadalupe, Mesa, Sun Tan Valley, Tempe, the 85224 zip code, and surrounding communities.
By Mark Arooni DDS
