Coumadin and Dental Appointments

Coumadin, Warfarin or any other anticoagulant therapy (Blood Thinners) may affect your dental visit. In years past it was thought that someone on any theraputic level of Coumadin needed to stop 3 to 4 days prior to dental visits. Really we find that this need not be the case. It is very important however to have consistent montioring while taking anticoagulants. Too high a level and the body can begin to bleed spontaneously. Too low a level and unwanted blood clots can cause internal problems like stokes and heart attacks. INR is a measure of bleeding time and thus the level of medicine in your system. If the INR levels are below 3.5 then anyone can have a routine cleaning or simple filling. If the level is below 3.0 then complex restorations can be preformed. If the INR is below 2.5 simple extractions can be preformed. If below 1.9 more complex dental surgeries can be preformed.

These values can be found at http://www.warfarinfo.com/dentalprocedures.htm.

There is no reason to postpone dental visits while on anticoagulant therapy. While there are many reasons for someone to take coumadin, diseases such as heart disease and stroke, in fact it is more beneficial to have a clean mouth rather than fear too much bleeding.

How Often Should I Floss?

There is a dynamic balance in the mouth. Each person's oral environment differs by genetics, eating habits, hygiene habits and bacteria. For the most part all of these are INHERITED. We inherit tooth and jaw shape from one or both parents. we inherit our eating and hygiene habits from whoever we spent the most time with growing up. We inherit bacteria from whoever fed you those first meals and "tested" your food for you. Interestingly enough we can only play the hand we are dealt however we can play a big roll to influence those cards.

Some people will build up Plaque very quickly and need to brush often or they will get Cavities between their teeth. Some people will build up Calculus quickly (this is hardened plaque) and they NEED to floss or they will get irritation of the gums called gingivitis and eventually lead to periodontitis and tooth loss. Some people seem to put little effort into their hygiene and have perfect teeth. I suppose in such a vague sense "IT DEPENDS". In a perfect world the dentist will tell you to floss everyday. In reality many people do not. Many people do not have to. It is great to get into a daily habit. Prevention goes so far in the mouth! It is better to stay ahead of the curve and not allow disease to set in. To spend time with your dentist and find out what is the right regimine for YOUR oral dynamics.