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 oil supplements, 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:
• Ginkgo Biloba and Evening Primrose – Can reduce your ability to clot, possibly leading to excessive bleeding during and/or after a dental procedure.
• St. John’s Wort – Often taken to reduce anxiety, this herb can interfere with the metabolism of other medications, including sedatives, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. When combined with St. John’s Wort, these drugs can be less effective. On the other hand, narcotics such as codeine, Vicodin and oxycodone can become more potent when taken with St. John’s Wort, leading to sleepiness, lethargy, and dizziness.
• Valerian – Has mild sedative effects. If your dentist prescribes drugs for anxiety or painkillers containing codeine, the effects of both together are greatly accentuated. This can lead to severe sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness that can last into the next day.
• Calcium and Magnesium – Combining these supplements with certain antibiotics can interfere with the absorption of the antibiotics. This can compromise your ability to fight off infection.
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 586-739-2155. You are welcome to begin with a free consultation to get to know us, or schedule an exam and cleaning.
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