
Aug
While many people are gravitating towards more natural options to treating various conditions, it is important to make us aware of ALL medications you take, including herbal supplements.
Some herbal supplements can interfere with the absorption of medications prescribed before or after your dental treatment. Others can cause blood thinning, which increases bleeding during some dental procedures.
For example, Melatonin, commonly used for insomnia, can increase bleeding if you also take a blood thinner medication. Garlic supplements also act as a blood thinner, increasing your risk of excessive bleeding.
Fish oilsupplements, at a certain dosage, can also cause blood thinning. Physicians typically recommend taking a maximum of 3,000 milligrams a day. That’s typically a capsule of 1,000 milligrams taken with each meal. However, many people take fish oil on their own since it is available OTC (“over-the-counter”).
However, fish oil has a similar effect to that of aspirin, which can cause prolonged bleeding. When you exceed the recommended 3,000 milligrams, excessive bleeding during some dental procedures can result. For those who already take anticoagulants (such as Coumadin), combining fish oil increases the risk for excessive bleeding even more.
Because most supplements do not require a prescription, they may seem safe or not connected to your oral health. However, a number of these can actually affect your care more than you realize. It is important for your dentist to know if you take.
Some with side effects you should also know are:
One of the reasons we request updates on the medications you take at each visit is to provide you with optimal care. We want your oral health to support your overall health, and vice versa. Be a careful consumer of the medications you take, whether OTC or prescribed. And, never hesitate to ask questions. We are happy to help!
As a Shelby Township dental office, we want to help your oral health interact positively with your overall health. If you have questions or wish to discuss your dental goals and concerns, call us at (586) 551-7255. You are welcome to begin with a free consultation to get to know us, or schedule an exam and cleaning.
To learn more about our dental office, take a brief office tour at: DrBarbatTour
And, get to know our immense array of dental technology at: DrBarbatTechnology
Dr. Ban Barbat is a dedicated dentist with over 30 years of experience, having founded her private practice in Shelby Township in 1997. She earned her doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where she excelled in comprehensive care and crown and bridge procedures. Dr. Barbat is a Fellow at the LVI Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and a member of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her ongoing commitment to advanced training and community engagement reflects her dedication to delivering trustworthy and innovative dental care.