This phenomenon — known as white coat hypertension (or white coat syndrome) — affects an estimated 15 to 30 percent of people with high blood pressure readings in the dentist’s office. The condition is called “white coat” because blood pressure spikes in medical and dental settings.
Can a visit to the dentist cause high blood pressure?
Can a Visit to the Dentist Cause High Blood Pressure? For some people, a trip to any medical provider can cause anxiety. And that can result in high blood pressure readings even if their blood pressure is typically normal.
Why do people avoid going to the dentist?
Some of the common reasons include: Fear of pain. Fear of pain is a very common reason for avoiding the dentist. Fear of injections or fear the injection won't work. Many people are terrified of needles, especially when inserted into their mouth. Fear of anesthetic side effects.
Why should I see a dental hygienist?
Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained to check for problems that you might not see or feel on your own. Some things, like cavities or gum disease, aren't even visible or painful until they're more advanced.
How do you feel when you go to the dentist?
Feelings of helplessness and loss of control. It's common for people to feel these emotions considering the situation -- sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what's going on. Embarrassment and loss of personal space. Many people feel uncomfortable about the physical closeness of the dentist or hygienist to their face.
Can u go to the dentist while high?
Mitch – Although you use marijuana to help you relax, it shouldn't be used before or after your dental appointments. Here's why: Smoking of any sort interferes with the oral healing process.
Do dentists check if you smoke?
You may be wondering whether your dentist can tell that you smoke and, if so, how. The short answer is yes- your dentist will be able to tell if you smoke.
How do you hide that you smoke to your dentist?
Can Your Dentist Tell If You Smoke?Many smokers try to disguise their habit by covering up the smell with gum, mints, or mouthwash. ... Your dentist in Hagerstown doesn't need to be a trained manicurist to know that you bite your nails.More items...•
How to get a more accurate blood pressure reading?
Practice stress relief. Find a technique that helps you calm yourself when you’re anxious or stressed. For example, breathe deeply and exhale slowly several times before your blood pressure reading.
Does white coat hypertension cause heart failure?
The researchers found an increased risk of stroke, heart attacks, heart failure and other signs of cardiovascular disease in people with white coat hypertension compared with those who had normal blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office.
4 Answers
A dentist takes your blood pressure? Seriously? You must have acted quite the girl. Suck it up up and cop the pain (never use the childbirth argument ever again, ever). Once it's out it's over.
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Why do you need to see a dentist?
Because the issue might either be preventable or more easily treated when caught early (like oral cancer ), seeing a dentist regularly matters. With regular visits, your dentist will find solutions to any red flags that will save you time, discomfort, and even money in the long run.
How many Americans don't see their dentist every year?
One hundred million Americans don't see their dentist every year, even though visiting the dentist regularly is essential in maintaining your oral health. With that being said, you have probably received a text, email, or phone call at some point in your life, reminding you that you are due for your 6-month visit with your dentist. ...
What is a dental hygienist?
Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained to check for problems that you might not see or feel on your own. Some things, like cavities or gum disease, aren't even visible or painful until they're more advanced. When it comes to oral cancer, dentists and hygienists are often the first to find it for many patients.
Is a dental exam a substitute for professional advice?
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Why do people avoid dentists?
Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Indeed, it is a universal phenomenon. Dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally irrational, but are unable to do much about it.
What to do if your dentist doesn't take your fear seriously?
If lack of control is one of your main stressors, actively participating in a discussion with your dentist about your treatment can ease your tension. Ask your dentist to explain what's happening at every stage of the procedure .
What does it feel like to be in your mouth during dental treatment?
Intense uneasiness at the thought of, or actually when, objects are placed in your mouth during the dental treatment or suddenly feeling like it is difficult to breathe. Fortunately, there are ways to get people with dental anxiety and dental phobia to the dentist.
What are the side effects of anesthesia?
Fear of anesthetic side effects. Some people fear the potential side effects of anesthesia such as dizziness, feeling faint, or nausea. Others don't like the numbness or "fat lip" associated with local anesthetics. Feelings of helplessness and loss of control.
Can you go to the dentist with a phobia?
People with dental phobia usually go to the dentist only when forced to do so by extreme pain. Pathologic anxiety or phobia may require psychiatric consultation in some cases. Other signs of dental phobia include: Trouble sleeping the night before the dental exam.
How to avoid feeling helpless while working on teeth?
And then do that!". To avoid feeling helpless, work out a hand signal with your dentist. Some people struggle with dental care because they feel a total loss of control while sitting in the dental chair, and are unable to speak while their dentist works on their teeth or gums, Shamblott says.
How to take care of your teeth and gums?
It's crucial to take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental appointments, since your oral health affects your overall well-being. Here are seven strategies for mitigating the physical and psychological discomfort associated with going to the dentist: Ask for a topical anesthetic.
What can a dentist do to numb your gums?
For example, your dentist can apply a topical anesthetic, which is an ointment, to pre-numb your gums so you don't feel the injection of the local anesthetic. Pain-numbing agents are common for an array of procedures, such as deep cleaning to treat gum disease, fillings and crowns.
Why do dentists wear masks?
To boost infection control, every dentist, assistant and hygienist always wears masks, gloves and protective clothing to minimize the chance of germ transmission, Shamblott says. "To ease your fears, ask questions," he adds. "Find out how things are sterilized. Ask for a tour.
Can a dentist scold you for not flossing?
If you have a couple of cavities or your gums are bleeding, you already feel bad enough and don't want your dentist to scold you for not flossing more often or brushing your teeth more effectively. To avoid enduring such orations, search for a dentist who touts that he or she doesn't scold patients.
Is sterilization used in dental offices?
"All equipment used in the dental office is either single-use, or it gets completely sterilized to kill all bacteria and is then wrapped for its next use.".
Is oral pain real?
Oral pain is very real, but if you see a dentist regularly, many of the painful issues can be prevented. Additionally, thanks to advances in technology, for many, dentistry can be a pain-free experience.".
Why are people afraid of the dentist?
Anxiety associated with dental visits can result from uncertainty regarding dental procedures, a prior experience that may have been unfortunate, or worry over mouth pain.
Ways to calm your nerves for the dentist
Though anxious feelings about dental visits and procedures are common, maintaining regular dental exams and cleanings is still necessary for oral health. Here are some ways you can calm your nerves and deal with your fear of dentists:
Why is it so important to visit the dentist regularly?
You need to visit a dentist near you regularly to avoid problems with oral health and hygiene, such as:
