Hemophilia: Dental Care
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For patients with hemophilia, dental care and mouth hygiene are critical. Daily brushing and flossing with regular visits to the dentist are necessary to prevent gum disease and build-up of dental tartar, which will increase bleeding tendency and accelerate decay.
If dental hygiene is neglected, a vicious cycle of increasing gum disease and bleeding can lead you to scare you away from brushing and flossing. Prevention is everything!
Our hematologists and dentists are experienced in treating patients with bleeding disorders. We also coordinate home factor infusion for dental care and surgical procedures.
Guidelines for Dental Care
In compliance with the guidelines of the World Federation of Hemophilia, we recommend the following:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Use a toothbrush with medium texture bristles
- Use interdental cleaning aids, such as floss, tape, and interdental brushes to prevent cavities
- Use mouth rinses containing antibacterial and astringent ingredients such as chlorhexidine gluconate
- Limit the consumption of foods and drinks with high sugar or acid content. Three exposures per day, with meals, is the recommended maximum.
- See your dentist regularly, ideally every 6 months