Heart Health: Don't Neglect Dental Care

Calcium channel blockers, or CCBs, can help to control your blood pressure. They can also have a negative impact on your oral health. If you are currently taking a CCB medication, here is what you need to know to protect your oral health. 

How Can CCBs Impact Your Oral Health?

There are several ways that CCBs can affect your oral health. For instance, they can cause dry mouth. Persistent dry mouth can lead to oral problems, such as gum infection, cavities, and tooth decay. You can even have trouble with chewing food, which can affect the alignment of your teeth. 

CCBs can also lead to gingival overgrowth. The overgrowth is basically an excess of gum tissue that will extend over your teeth. The overgrowth is noticeable and can have an impact on your self-esteem. It can also make it easier for a gum infection to occur. It is more difficult to provide the care needed for your teeth and gum line with the additional tissue. 

In addition to these symptoms, you can experience oral sores, discoloration of the teeth, and inflammation periodically. You could even have abnormal bleeding. 

What Can You Do?

One of the most important steps you can take is to inform the dentist that you are taking a CCB medication. He or she will closely monitor your teeth and gums for any changes. Early detection of oral problems, such as a gum infection, is important. It could make the difference between losing and keeping your teeth. 

You should also talk to your family doctor about your medication's side effects. If you are having oral health problems, there is a possibility that the doctor can switch you to another drug to manage your blood pressure. 

Your dentist might schedule you for more frequent check-ups. During the visits, you can get have bacterial plaque and any hardened deposits removed. Regular removal can lower the chances of gum disease occurring. 

Staying hydrated is important. Increasing your water intake can help prevent dry mouth. You should also cut down on caffeinated and sugary drinks. Spicy foods can even worsen your symptoms. 

Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol can even help with dry mouth. The natural sweetener will stimulate your salivary glands and help to keep gum disease away. If the problem continues, your dentist might recommend the use of artificial saliva. If so, follow the instructions exactly as directed to get the most benefit from them. For more information, contact establishments like Professional Dental Center.