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Posted on 12/10/2018 by Thomas Mahar |
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 Many people believe that herbal supplements are completely safe to take since they are "natural." Unfortunately, that isn't completely true, especially if you are taking other medications. In fact, some herbal supplements can actually have negative consequences on the mouth when they interact negatively with other drugs. Increased Bleeding with Herbal SupplementsCertain natural supplements can cause dangerous drug interactions that might complicate dental health. Most notably, some herbs can increase bleeding when combined with over-the-counter or prescription medications. These include vitamin E and fish oil capsules. Other herbal supplements can increase the blood thinning action of Warfarin and Coumadin, including:
An increase in bleeding can lead to a host of dental problems, especially if you need to undergo a dental procedure. If you need an extraction, deep cleaning of the gums, or gum surgery, heavy bleeding may occur, and this could also impact your body's healing ability. Infections and Herbal SupplementsCertain herbal supplements are also known to reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. If you are prescribed an antibiotic to recover from gum disease, an abscess, or another oral infection, your body's ability to recover properly may be affected. For example, cassia cinnamon can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics by up to 80%.Tell Us About Your MedicationsWhen you come in for your dental appointments, we'll want to know about any medications that you are taking. This includes herbal supplements. In order to create the best treatment plan for your mouth, we need to paint an accurate picture of your overall health. Bring in a list of the medications and supplements that you are taking, or if it is easier, feel free to bring in the entire bottle.Give us a call today to set up your next appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. |
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