6 Reasons Why Fostering Smiles Monitors Your Blood Pressure
Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who often see patients more regularly than their family doctors or nurse practitioners. This frequent contact places us in a unique position to observe and identify early changes in a patient's overall health. One of the most impactful actions we can take during appointments is measuring blood pressure (BP). Here's why:
Screening for high blood pressure: Early identification allows patients to seek timely medical intervention.
Preventing a hypertension crisis: Monitoring BP can help prevent life-threatening situations by catching dangerously high readings.
Reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes: Elevated BP during pregnancy can signal conditions like preeclampsia, which require immediate attention.
Identifying clients at risk for medical emergencies: Knowing a patient’s BP status helps mitigate risks during dental care procedures.
Detecting high BP early: Consistent monitoring helps limit or prevent damage to vital organs by addressing high BP before it becomes chronic.
Choosing appropriate local anesthetics: Certain BP readings determine the safest anesthetic options for numbing or freezing.
Monitoring blood pressure during dental visits is more than a precaution—it’s a proactive measure to safeguard your overall health.
For more information about blood pressure, visit the BC Oral Health College click here.
Source: RDH Mag