Taking a blood pressure reading is one of the first things our clinical staff does when a patient comes in for a dental visit. This may seem insignificant but there can be serious consequences if certain dental procedures are done on a patient with high blood pressure. Consequences may include excessive bleeding and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Normal blood pressure readings for healthy individuals 20 years and older should be 120/80 mmHg. If blood pressure readings are consistently higher than 120/80 it means that individual is most likely suffering from hypertension. According to Heart.org, the website of the American Heart Association, "Untreated high blood pressure damages and scars your arteries." High blood pressure increases the risk of blood clots, organ damage, heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure also results in increased plaque build-up and weakening of blood vessels.
Since most people see their dentist on a more consistent basis than their general physician, dentists can provide valuable information to patients by checking their blood pressure regularly and informing them when the measurements are suggestive of Hypertension. If blood pressure readings are higher than normal, the dentist will likely refer the patient to a physician for further testing before any dental work is done. Even if an individual is taking medication for hypertension, blood pressure should still be monitored. A blood pressure screening at the dentist's office is just too good an opportunity to pass up. It takes only a few minutes and the information is potentially life-saving.
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