Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

7 Supplements To Discontinue Before Dental Surgery

1 November 2022 by Freddie Cox

Before you undergo dental surgery, your provider may recommend that you discontinue some over-the-counter and prescription meds. However, you may also need to stop taking some of your supplements. Every patient is different, but here are seven supplements that your dental surgeon may ask you to stop taking a week or two before surgery.

1) Vitamin E

This fat-soluble vitamin is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect your cells from damage. Vitamin E also aids in blood clotting. Because of these properties, taking vitamin E before dental surgery could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. This can prolong recovery, so your dental surgeon may ask you to stop taking this antioxidant before your procedure.

2) Ginkgo biloba

This supplement is sometimes taken to improve memory and circulation. Like vitamin E, ginkgo biloba can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. If you're taking this supplement, be sure to tell your dental surgeon so they can take steps to minimize the risk.

3) Garlic

This pungent herb is sometimes taken as a supplement for its purported health benefits, which include improved circulation and heart health. However, garlic can also thin the blood and should be avoided before surgery.

It may be okay to continue eating garlic in your usual recipes, though. Let your surgeon know if you tend to season your meals with heavy amounts of garlic cloves or spices.

4) Fish oil

Fish oil supplements are a popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for heart health. However, as with some of the supplements mentioned earlier, fish oil capsules can also thin the blood.

5) Ginseng

This popular herb is sometimes taken as a supplement for energy or to improve overall health. However, ginseng can also thin the blood and may need to be avoided before surgery.

6) St. John's wort

This herbal supplement is sometimes taken for depression or anxiety. However, St. John's wort can also interfere with anesthesia and other medications. If you take this supplement, be sure to tell your dental surgeon so they can take steps to avoid any interactions.

7) Cinnamon

This popular spice is sometimes taken as a supplement for blood sugar control. However, cinnamon can also interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

These are just a few of the supplements that may need to be discontinued before dental surgery. Every patient is different, so be sure to follow your dental team's recommendations. They'll give you specific instructions based on your individual health needs and the type of dental surgery you're having.

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