Getting local anesthesia, often referred to as getting numb, is a common procedure before many dental treatments like fillings and extractions. While local anesthesia is generally very safe, there are some things you should avoid doing before receiving it for your dental appointment.
Should you eat before local anesthesia?
It is generally recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal before receiving local anesthesia. A light snack or small meal is okay, but a large, heavy meal right before can cause issues. Here are some of the potential problems with eating a big meal first:
- It can increase the chances of nausea or vomiting when the numbing medication kicks in
- You may accidentally bite or chew your tongue, lip, or cheek while numb and not realize it
- Food particles could get lodged in your teeth and potentially dislodge dental work
If you need a more significant procedure requiring sedation or general anesthesia, your dentist will likely advise you to not eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours beforehand. But for simple numbing with local anesthesia, a light meal is fine.
Should you drink alcohol before dental anesthesia?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol immediately before receiving dental anesthesia. Here’s why:
- Alcohol can amplify the effects of the numbing medication, increasing drowsiness and slowing reflexes
- It can also lower your pain threshold, making the injection more uncomfortable
- Drinking alcohol beforehand increases the risk of adverse side effects from the anesthesia
- It also contributes to dehydration, which can prolong the numbing effects
To be safest, avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to a dental appointment involving anesthesia. Be sure to let your dentist know if you have consumed alcohol so they can take proper precautions.
Should you drink coffee before dental anesthesia?
It’s best to avoid caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks before getting dental anesthesia. Here are the potential issues with caffeine beforehand:
- Caffeine is a stimulant that can accelerate your heart rate and blood pressure, which is not ideal when receiving anesthesia
- It can also cause jitteriness, anxiety, and tension, making it more difficult to keep still during the procedure
- Caffeine can interfere with the metabolism and effectiveness of the numbing medication
- Like alcohol, it also contributes to dehydration and dry mouth
If possible, limit caffeine intake to a single small cup of coffee or tea in the early morning. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after to stay hydrated.
Should you exercise right before dental anesthesia?
Engaging in intense physical exercise right before your dental appointment is not recommended. Here are some potential issues with exercising beforehand:
- Exercise increases blood circulation, which can dilute and reduce the effectiveness of the anesthesia
- It can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which are already impacted by the numbing medication
- Exercise can dehydrate the body, exacerbating numbing side effects like dizziness and prolonged anesthesia
- In rare cases, the stress from intense exercise can induce adrenaline and make the anesthesia less effective
Taking a short walk or doing light yoga is fine. But avoid strenuous activity like high-intensity interval training, weightlifting, or circuit training. Let your body rest before your dental appointment.
Should you smoke before dental anesthesia?
It is highly recommended that you do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 24 hours before receiving dental anesthesia. Here are some of the issues with smoking beforehand:
- Smoking can greatly reduce blood flow, making it harder for the numbing medication to take effect
- The chemicals in tobacco smoke interfere with the proper absorption and metabolism of anesthetic drugs
- Smoking directly before anesthesia increases the risk of complication like slow healing, high blood pressure, and adrenaline spikes
- Second-hand smoke can also negatively impact the anesthesia process for staff and other patients
Be sure to refrain from any tobacco use before your dental visit and alert your dentist if you do smoke so they can take proper precautions with the anesthesia dosage and delivery.
Should you take medication before dental anesthesia?
It is very important to inform your dentist of all medications, prescribed and over-the-counter, that you are currently taking. Some medication guidelines before dental anesthesia include:
- Avoid blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin for several days beforehand, as they increase bleeding
- Tylenol and other NSAIDs thin the blood less, but should still be used cautiously
- Discuss stopping any antidepressant or hormone medications with your physician first
- Take regular medications for medical conditions like high blood pressure as prescribed
- Bring a list of all current medications to share with your dentist
Your dentist needs to know your medical history and current prescriptions to determine safe, compatible anesthetics and proper dosages. Be open about any medication use.
Should you wear makeup before dental anesthesia?
It is best to avoid wearing makeup like foundation, concealer, contour, or bold lip colors before your dental appointment requiring anesthesia. Here are a few reasons why:
- Thick makeup can interfere with monitoring equipment placed on your skin to track vital signs
- Makeup near the mouth can get smudged or ruined during dental procedures
- Products like lipstick or gloss can stick to equipment and dental tools
- Ingredient chemicals in makeup can inadvertently mix with numbing agents
- Mascara or eye makeup can irritate if anesthesia drips near the eyes
Come to your appointment with a clean, bare face. You can apply cosmetics after you leave as the numbing wears off. Just avoid wearing makeup to the dental office.
Should you wear fragrances before dental anesthesia?
It is recommended to avoid strongly scented perfumes, colognes, and essential oils when coming in for dental anesthesia. Here are some reasons fragrance can be an issue:
- The smell can mix with surgical cleaners and anesthesia gases, causing nausea
- It lingers in a small exam room and can bother staff as well as other patients
- Fragrance chemicals have been known to rarely react with numbing agents
- Many offices even prohibit staff from wearing scented products to cut down on ambient odors during procedures
To be considerate of others, avoid applying or spraying perfumes and colognes right before your dental visit. Use unscented grooming products as well.
Should you wear contact lenses before dental anesthesia?
It is usually recommended that you do not wear your contact lenses to a dental appointment for anesthesia. Here are some factors to consider:
- You will likely be reclined back for an extended period, which can cause contacts to irritate or dry out the eyes
- Numbing drops may be placed in the eyes for certain procedures, which can dislodge contacts
- Contacts can accidentally fall out during the procedure and be difficult to retrieve
- Irritation from anesthesia gases during some procedures may also occur
The safest option is to wear your glasses or bring a case and solution to remove contacts before anesthesia. This prevents losing a lens or suffering eye discomfort during the procedure.
Should you wear dental jewelry before anesthesia?
It is highly advised to remove all dental jewelry before receiving dental anesthesia or any treatment. Here’s why:
- Oral piercings can impede accessing parts of the mouth during the procedure
- Jewelry near the injection sites can block proper numbness
- Dental tools and equipment can scratch or damage piercings and jewelry
- Swelling from anesthesia may make piercings difficult to remove afterwards
- Metal near rubber dams or imaging equipment poses safety risks
Dental offices also commonly prohibit staff from wearing distracting jewelry for many of the same reasons. Leave piercings out and remove dental grills before arriving for your appointment.
Should you chew gum before dental anesthesia?
It is recommended that you do not chew gum directly before getting dental anesthesia. Here are some potential issues:
- The gum flavor and scent can interfere with anesthesia gases
- Chewed gum sticks to dental equipment and tools
- Sugary gum increases saliva production and interference
- Gum can fall out of the mouth when becoming numb
- You may accidentally swallow gum during the procedure
Avoid chewing gum for at least an hour before anesthesia, and be sure to throw away gum before entering the dental office. Rinsing with water afterward can help cleanse the mouth.
Should you use breath mints or strips before anesthesia?
Breath-freshening products like mints, strips, lozenges, and mouthwash should typically be avoided right before dental anesthesia. Here’s why:
- Strong mint flavors and scents can be nauseating when combined with numbing agents
- They stimulate saliva production, which interferes with anesthesia administration
- Sugar in mints increases bacteria growth during procedures
- Products may fall out or be accidentally swallowed while numb
- Ingredients can potentially react with anesthesia chemicals
Stop using breath fresheners about an hour before anesthesia and brush with plain toothpaste instead. This reduces the chances of any interference or complications.
Should you floss right before dental anesthesia?
Yes, flossing your teeth before receiving dental anesthesia is recommended. Here are some benefits of flossing first:
- It removes plaque and bacteria, which reduces risks of infecting the bloodstream
- Flossing scrapes away food debris that could dislodge during the procedure
- It clears the areas between teeth for easier access to administer anesthesia
- Your dentist will appreciate the courtesy of a freshly flossed mouth!
Just be gentle when flossing, as bleeing gums can prolong the effects of anesthesia. But taking the time to properly floss beforehand is advised.
Should you brush your teeth before anesthesia?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you brush your teeth before arriving for dental anesthesia. Here are reasons why:
- Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria that can spread during procedures
- It freshens breath, which is courteous to staff who work in close proximity
- Toothpaste foaming helps clear out debris between teeth and around gums
- Regular brushing before appointments develops good daily hygiene habits too
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, being careful not to aggravate your gums. Properly brushing before anesthesia promotes dental health.
Conclusion
Local anesthesia is very safe when proper precautions are taken. Avoid eating a large meal, drinking alcohol, or exercising strenuously right before your dental appointment. Caffeine, nicotine, and scented products should also be avoided. Take regular medications as prescribed, remove jewelry and contacts, and floss and brush for good dental hygiene. Let your dentist know of any concerns and follow their recommendations for an easy, comfortable anesthesia experience.
