Can Heparin.....?!


Question: I was on Heparin for 10 months due to a DVT in my leg during pregnancy. I was told to expect some bleeding of the gums, but I also noticed that my teeth were becoming softer. By the time I was taken off the heparin my teeth had started to break...Is this a side effect from the heparin. I was told not to see a dentist while I was on the heparin, so I didnt and now Im not so sure I did the right thing. Can anyone help with this?

I gave myself an injection of 5000 units twice a day in the stomach.


Answers: I was on Heparin for 10 months due to a DVT in my leg during pregnancy. I was told to expect some bleeding of the gums, but I also noticed that my teeth were becoming softer. By the time I was taken off the heparin my teeth had started to break...Is this a side effect from the heparin. I was told not to see a dentist while I was on the heparin, so I didnt and now Im not so sure I did the right thing. Can anyone help with this?

I gave myself an injection of 5000 units twice a day in the stomach.

I have never heard of this, and don't see why heparin would cause teeth to crack. But it's common for women to develop problems with their teeth during and after pregnancy. For one thing, you're preoccupied with preparations for the baby. Many pregnant women don't see the dentist at all, don't get their teeth x-rayed. After the baby is born, you're just wasted all the time. If you're tired all the time your oral hygiene often suffers. And so it goes.
I can't imagine being told not to see a dentist. You should of course tell the dentist you are heparinized. If I have any doubts about working on pregnant women (or patients on anticoagulants, for that matter) I never have a problem picking up the phone and calling the doctor to discuss our mutual concern--the patient. Most doctors are very cooperative--and won't want their patient getting a toothache either!
I assume your thromboses resolved, and you're off the heparin now?

Steve Bornfeld, DDS





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories