Nowadays, more and more people suffer from hypertension. Most patients with hypertension need to take drugs for a long time to control their blood pressure. Some side effects of drugs have brought great influence to everyone.
There is a kind of drug with good antihypertensive effect, but it will affect gingiva. This kind of drug is the dipine antihypertensive drug we often see, such as [nifedipine] [amlodipine] [felodipine], etc. This kind of antihypertensive drug is calcium channel blocker, which can reduce blood pressure and at the same time make gingival hyperplasia, which is commonly referred to as drug-induced gingival hyperplasia.
Patients taking this kind of medicine sometimes feel red swelling, pain and bleeding of gums. During oral examination of these patients, it can be found that the hyperplastic gums are spherical, covering part of the tooth surface, and at the same time form [pockets], i.e. Periodontal pockets. These periodontal pockets hide dirt and accept dirt, bacteria proliferate, affect oral hygiene, and easily lead to various oral problems.
In this case, does it mean that such drugs are not good and should not be used?
Of course not, Calcium channel blocker is one of the five commonly used first-line antihypertensive drugs. As the representative drug of calcium channel blocker, nifedipine ranks among the top five best-selling drugs in the world. This kind of drug is also the basic drug for the treatment of hypertension patients in China. 50% of hypertension patients receiving drug therapy in China use calcium channel blocker.
Today, let’s talk about how to ensure that the patient’s blood pressure is controlled without dental problems.
Gum problems, stomatologists have a way
In addition to the influence of the drug itself, the degree of gingival hyperplasia is obviously related to the original degree of periodontal inflammation and oral hygiene.
Human and animal experiments have also confirmed that drug-induced gingival hyperplasia can be reduced or avoided without obvious plaque microorganisms. Therefore, patients taking such drugs must pay special attention to oral hygiene. Specific control schemes include the following types.
1. Preventive examination before taking medicine
When the patient has been diagnosed with hypertension and is recommended to use [dipine] antihypertensive drugs, he can go to the Department of Stomatology for oral examination first. If the existence of tartar and plaque is detected, periodontal treatment (tooth washing, scraping, etc.) can be carried out in time, and then the possibility of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia can be greatly reduced by taking drugs.
2. Gingival symptoms occur during medication.
First of all, basic periodontal treatment (tooth washing and scraping) will be carried out, and reexamination will be carried out after two months. If the gingiva is still swollen obviously and the bleeding from brushing teeth has been controlled, periodontal surgery can be considered to trim the gingival shape in order to eliminate periodontal pockets and prevent more serious consequences such as tooth loosening.
3. Replace antihypertensive drugs if necessary
Not all patients taking these drugs will definitely have gum symptoms, Even if it does, the severity varies from person to person. Studies have shown that about 30% to 50% of patients will develop drug-induced gingival hyperplasia. If patients have severe gingival symptoms and can receive other types of antihypertensive drugs, they can try to change antihypertensive drugs and perform periodontal treatment after blood pressure stabilizes.
Two Points of Attention
-
Some patients with hypertension also take anticoagulants such as [aspirin]. Be sure to tell the stomatologist about this situation, because it may affect periodontal treatment.
-
If you change antihypertensive drugs, don’t start periodontal treatment in a hurry. Observe for a period of time first. When the body adapts to the new antihypertensive drugs and the blood pressure stabilizes, then carry out oral treatment.
Health habits are more important.
As mentioned earlier, the degree of gingival hyperplasia is closely related to oral hygiene. In addition to relying on regular treatment by stomatologists, it is more important to ensure good habits.
Good oral hygiene habits are not only beneficial to hypertension patients who are taking drugs, but also beneficial to the health of all people. For example, they can prevent common [excessive internal heat] manifestations such as oral ulcer and gingivitis, and can also prevent [old age] problems after getting older, which is even more beneficial to the quality of life of the elderly.
In addition to sticking to good habits, one should also supervise each other with one’s family, which is beneficial to the health of the whole family.