People with hemophilia may be scared to take care of their teeth because they fear cutting their gums and starting a bleed. Regardless of whether or not you have hemophilia, dental care is important and it is vital to take care of your teeth.
Dental health affects overall health, and if you neglect to clean your teeth, gum disease or gingivitis could occur, which could then result in spontaneous bleeding. This bleeding can be harder to control and can last longer for people with hemophilia, so it is important to visit a dentist, and brush and floss regularly.
Thereforyou.com provides the following valuable insight into taking care of your teeth and finding a dentist:
Remove Plaque
Plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugar that forms on teeth and gums, is the most common cause of dental disease so it is important to remove it from your mouth. The best way to remove plaque is to floss regularly, cleaning places that a toothbrush cannot always reach.
A little bleeding might occur when you first begin flossing, but it is generally nothing to be concerned about, and if you use a small, soft toothbrush then bleeds will be even less likely to occur.
Visit a Dentist
Find a dentist that you feel comfortable with and who understands the specific needs you require as a person with hemophilia. A good place to start is your hemophilia treatment center. Chances are they have a list of dentists in the area that other patients have used or they may even have a dentist on staff.
After choosing a dentist, be sure he or she contacts your HTC and obtains your medical records. If you feel that your dentist is a good fit, continue to visit him or her regularly and stay up-to-date on your dental health.
Remember, if you fall behind on the maintenance of your teeth and mouth you could suffer from tooth decay or gum disease, which can lead to spontaneous bleeds. The only thing standing between you and good dental hygiene is your fear of bleeds, not hemophilia.
Sources:
Family Gentle Dental Care: http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/hemophilia_dental_care.htm
Thereforyou.com: http://thereforyou.com/patients/about/living-well/dental-care/brushing-and-flossing.html; http://thereforyou.com/patients/about/living-well/dental-care/find-a-dental-home.html
Colgate World of Care: http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/CommonConcerns/PlaqueTartar/WhatisPlaque.cvsp