Medication and Heart Disease

Certain kinds of medications can have an adverse effect on your teeth.

Long ago, children exposed to tetracycline developed tooth problems, including discoloration, later in life. The medication fell out of use, however, and is not an issue today.

The best precaution is to ask your family physician if any medications he or she has prescribed can have a detrimental effect on your teeth or other oral structures.

A condition called dry mouth is commonly associated with certain medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, decongestants and pain killers. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems. Garlic and tobacco use are other known culprits.

Dry mouth occurs when saliva production drops. Saliva is one of your body's natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials.

Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.

If dry mouth isn't readily apparent, you may experience other conditions that dry mouth can cause, including an overly sensitive tongue, chronic thirst or even difficulty in speaking.

Heart Disease

Poor dental hygiene can cause a host of problems outside your mouth—including your heart.

Medical research has uncovered a definitive link between heart disease and certain kinds of oral infections such as periodontal disease. Some have even suggested that gum disease may be as dangerous as or more dangerous than other factors such as tobacco use.

A condition called chronic periodontitis, or persistent gum disease, has been linked to cardiovascular problems by medical researchers.

In short, infections and harmful bacteria in your mouth can spread through the bloodstream to your liver, which produces harmful proteins that can lead to systemic cardiac problems. That’s why it’s critical to practice good oral hygiene to keep infections at bay—this includes a daily regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

In some cases, patients with compromised immune systems or who fear an infection from a dental procedure may take antibiotics before visiting the dentist.

It is possible for bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream during a dental procedure in which tissues are cut or bleeding occurs. A healthy immune system will normally fight such bacteria before they result in an infection.

However, certain cardiovascular conditions in patients with weakened hearts could be at risk for an infection or heart muscle inflammation (bacterial endocarditis) resulting from a dental procedure.

Patients with heart conditions (including weakened heart valves) are strongly advised to inform our office before undergoing any dental procedure. The proper antibiotic will prevent any unnecessary complications.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Once per month (Call for specific dates)

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Wow!! Such a wonderful dentist. It was such a refreshing experience to have you greet us at the door, then talking with us and how you and your hygenist went about taking care of my problem. Dr. Stevens and his staff are such pleasant people. It is so good to go to a doctor's office and have someone so kind and interested in you as a person and takes the time with you. There aren't too many of them left! Then, to have you take the time to call that evening to find out how I was doing... That tops! That's how the doctors and dentists were in my era of growing up and in this day and age, you can see how my visit to you was a really nice experience."
    By Loreen C.
  • "Our family recently moved to Smithville and wanted to find a dentist locally. As with finding any new doctor and services, you want to make sure you are getting the best. It was also very important that we found an office that would work well with our little one. I believe the first visit is extremely important as it sets the tone for future appointments. Dr. Stevens' office and staff well exceeded our expectations today with making our daughter's first dental cleaning an awesome experience. It's been so good in fact, she has been playing dentist for the last couple hours! I am grateful we have our new home in the Smithville community as well as finding our new dental home with Dr. Stevens."
    By Anna B.
  • "The office is nice and the staff is even nicer. They always know your name when you go in and they remember things about you (enough that they can make conversation). They are really a down-home sort of place with all the nice newer gadgets. Dr. Stevens is always very friendly and acts as if he's been your friend for years. His prices are also very reasonable. I will be going back again."
    By Michelle V.
  • "My family and I have been patients of Dr. Stevens for quite some time now. We have been completely satisfied with him and his staff. Their knowledge and ability to give each patient that personal touch is very comforting. I would recommend his services to anyone!"
    By Karen P.