Herbal supplements and teeth and gums may not seem like an issue to you, but it is to your dentist. Letting your dentist in Chicago know about the natural supplements you are taking is important for teeth and gums.

Whether you take an aspirin every day for heart health or Echinacea to keep colds and flu at bay, telling Dr. Jeffrey Gilmor from the Glen Dental Center in Glenview is imperative.

How Herbal Supplements and Teeth and Gums are Connected

Certain reactions will occur regardless of the natural supplement you are taking. If Dr. Gilmor isn’t aware of what you are taking, he cannot protect you from possible interactions with other substances. This is especially important if you are preparing or having a surgical dental treatment.

Conventional Versus Herbal Supplements for Teeth and Gums

Although many over the counter and prescription drugs are derived from plants, they differ from herbal medicines.

The FDA must first approve drugs that contain a chemical or active ingredient. Although the drug is plant derived, it has been manufactured in a laboratory.

Herbal or alternative botanical medications are made from the plant-extracted chemicals that were refined or produced in original form. Refined herbal medications are more potent.

Be Aware of These Combinations

Although most vitamin and herbal supplements will not cause serious reactions for teeth and gums, according to your dentist in Glenview, there are some to be aware of.

Vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba-These two natural supplements can be dangerous when consumed with blood thinners. Just like aspirin, vitamin E and Ginkgo thin your blood. Combining the two could cause problems during surgery as blood thinners make it difficult for the blood to clot.

Vitamin C-Avoid high doses of vitamin C if you are having anesthesia. Vitamin C weakens the effects of the anesthetic. If you are having cancer treatment or fighting a cold talk to Dr. Gilmor before you proceed with any treatments that require anesthetic. Kava Kava and St. John’s Wort will have the opposite effects making the anesthetic stronger.

Dr. Gilmor and his Glen Dental Center in Glenview respect your decisions when it comes to alternative medicines. Don’t be afraid to let him know if you are taking any type of conventional of herbal medications.

For more information regarding herbal supplements and teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Chicago, Dr. Jeffrey Gimor today.