Tag Archives: blood thinners

Zoom Whitening and Blood Thinners

I have been wanting to whiten my teeth for some time now. I think I want to do it quickly with that in office procedure that uses the lights. The one thing that is holding me back is that I am on blood thinners because of a heart attack. I have been stable for a while on the same dose and my heart is healthier. Is there a risk for people on blood thinners with this procedure? If so, do I have any options?

Annie

Dear Annie,

Patient under a Zoom Whitening light
Zoom Whitening Light

When you are on blood thinners is important to avoid invasive procedures because the medicine is designed to stop blood clotting in order to protect you from another cardiac event. If you needed an invasive procedure, your doctor would ask you to stop the medications for a while.

The procedure you are referring to is Zoom Whitening and it is an effective way to whiten your teeth quickly. It is not an invasive procedure and as such will not generally cause any bleeding.

That being said, your oral health is a big factor in that. If you have gum disease, your gums will bleed much more easily, even at the slightest pressure on them. I would want to make sure your oral hygiene is in top shape for two months before proceeding. You will need to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Make certain there is no blood on your floss every time before even considering moving forward.

You will also want to have a thorough professional cleaning done as well. Otherwise, your results will be splotchy because there will be a film over parts of your teeth.

I hope this helps you make a decision. Consult with your dentist and see about the health of your gums. If there is any periodontal disease present, that will need to be addressed before moving forward.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentists Drs. Foreman and Thimmesch.