Kirkland Dentistry Family & Cosmetic Care

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Why do I need to tell my dentist if I take herbal supplements?

Always tell me about all medications and supplements you are taking and how much you take. From vitamins to Echinacea, everything you put in your body causes a certain reaction, and some alternative medicines are very potent. That reaction can interfere with medications that I give you or enhance them to cause a much stronger reaction.

What are some combinations I should avoid taking?

Blood thinners, such as the popular gingko biloba and even vitamin E can be dangerous when taken with aspirin, which also acts as a blood thinner. Vitamins can be dangerous as well if you are not careful. Vitamin C, when taken in the thousands of grams as an intravenous cancer treatment, can cause problems and decrease the efficiency of anesthesia. On the other hand, if you are taking a calming supplement, such as Kava Kava or St. John's Wort, this can enhance the effects of the anesthesia the dentist gives you and cause problems. Dandelion and bearberry are both herbal supplements that are said to work as a diuretic. These can interact with and over-enhance the effects of prescription diuretics, which can lead to dehydration, loss of potassium in the body, and even disrupt heart rhythm.

What will my dentist do when I discuss my herbal medications?

If I know that you are taking a medication that can interact with something that I am planning on giving you, I may have you stop taking the herbal medication until the treatment is over, or choose a different drug for treatment if one is available.