Blood-thinning medication is prescribed for a variety of medical conditions as an anti-coagulant—as the name implies—to stop blood from clotting. They are typically prescribed for individuals with atrial fibrillation (the heart's two upper chambers “fibrillate” or beat out of rhythm), deep venous thrombosis (clotting in the deep veins), and pulmonary embolism (blood clots moving to the lungs). For patients taking blood thinners who need to have, for example, a minor surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon must be informed of blood thinning medications as well as all other prescriptions, herbs and/or home remedies, and Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications the patient is currently taking. This includes aspirin as it is also a potent blood thinner. However, it is important to note that the patient should be fine in the hands of an experienced dentist or oral surgeon who has all of this information prior to surgery.

Learn more when you continue reading this consultation article, Oral Surgery & Blood Thinners.

Herbal or homeopathic remedies and other forms of integrative medicine (holistic medicine; new ways to treat the mind, body, and spirit—all at the same time) continue to grow in popularity; however, it is critical that you consult your physician and/or dentist prior to taking them to ensure they will be safe for you and produce the desired results. One product, Arnica, is a good example of a safe remedy when used appropriately, This herb, Arnica Montana, is a member of the daisy family and may also be known as leopard's bane, mountain tobacco, mountain daisy, or wolf's bane. Studies have shown that certain Arnica preparations can reduce pain, inflammation, and the discoloration associated with sprains and bruises.

Learn more about this herb in the consultation article, Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies: Real Medicine

Many adults today suffer from the embarrassment of discolored or stained teeth due to the fact they were given the antibiotic, Tetracycline, as a child. While the damage from Tetracycline is not reversible as the staining becomes part of the structure of the teeth, the good news is that your dentist has several cosmetic procedures for remedying your concerns. From professional bleaching to porcelain crowns and veneers, your oral healthcare professional can work with you to understand and create your customized action plan for a brighter, whiter smile.

Some blood pressure medications from a family of drugs called Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are used to control blood pressure and some heart conditions; however, they can also cause gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth). And your risks for gum overgrowth increases even more when you have poor oral hygiene. The good news is that this condition is treatable by maintaining good oral hygiene and professional dental care; but it might also mean changing medication—if this is medically possible. This is just one example of why it is important for your dentist and physician to communicate on these issues. It is also important that you inform your healthcare professionals of all medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you are taking prior to their writing any new prescriptions for you. This important step will help prevent any drug interactions.

Learn more about your blood pressure medicine and see if yours is on our list in Blood Pressure Medications.

If you are scheduling an upcoming surgical procedure, be sure that all of the healthcare professionals involved are aware of any prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications and even herbs or home remedies that you are currently taking. This is especially true if you are taking the prescription Fosamax® (alendronate) or another drug in the bisphosphonate family. If not stopped at least three months prior to surgery, you are at risk for developing osteonecrosis—literally bone death. For oral surgery patients, most cases reported occurred after a dental extraction; however, it can also occur spontaneously and may be associated with pain at the site.

Learn more in Fosamax® and Surgery.

New guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) now state that taking prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may not be necessary for most people and in fact, might cause more harm than good. Patients who may have taken antibiotics in the past but may no longer need them include people with mitral valve prolapse, in which the heart valves may not work in complete harmony but cause no alteration in blood flow.

Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are still recommended for patients with certain congenital heart conditions (birth defects), artificial heart valves, and for those with a history of infective endocarditis—where there is a risk of turbulent blood flow and infection from oral bacteria. See your doctor or cardiologist to find out if you need to take antibiotics before dental treatment.

Learn more about this important topic in Antibiotics for Dental Visits.