Dentists and You: Being Honest About Your Medical History

Jan 22
08:35

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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When you first go to see new dentists, they will need to start a file for you concerning your medical history, your current medical status, and your lifestyle choices. For the sake of your oral health it is imperative that you are completely honest.

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Dentists are important people in terms of your oral health. While it is pertinent that you take good care of your teeth on your own you still need a qualified dental professional to help you in that end. You do your part every day by brushing and flossing your teeth faithfully as well as eating foods that help promotes healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist performs routine examinations to see if your teeth are healthy and whether any new problems or conditions have begun. When you visit your dental practitioner on a regular basis preventative measures can be taken to make sure that problems do not have the opportunity to get started in your mouth.

Regular dental visits as well as cleanings by a hygienist are essential in terms of maintaining a healthy mouth that you can feel good about. When you first start going to a new dentist is essential that you fill out forms regarding your medical history. This includes any medical conditions you have suffered from in the past,Dentists and You: Being Honest About Your Medical History Articles anything you are dealing with now and any medications you are on. Even if you are taking a vitamin or mineral supplement this is significant information that needs to be recorded in your file.

You may wonder why any medical condition that seemingly has no association with your mouth would make a difference to dentists. The answer is because everything is linked. Sometimes a problem elsewhere in your body can manifest symptoms in your mouth. For example, there are some medications that can wreak havoc with your teeth and/or gums. That is why the dental provider needs to know all of the details about not just your medical history but also your lifestyle such as whether you drink or smoke, and if so how much you do of either.

Let your dentist know the names of the medications you are taking, the doses of each and how long you have been taking them (as well as how long you expect to be on them). Both prescriptions medications need to be mentioned to your doctor as do non-prescription medications that are over-the-counter.

You need to be as truthful with your tooth doctor as possible. Lying or not disclosing something significant about your health can be detrimental to it. For instance if you are a diabetic then tell the doctor this. Having diabetes can make you more susceptible to developing periodontal disease.

In the same way if you suffer from osteoporosis and are taking medication for it then this can affect your oral health. Drugs for this disease are known as bisphosphonates and they can sometime lead to pain in the jaw bone following the removal of a tooth.

Pregnancy can lead to changes in the mouth. Some women develop gum problems such as soreness when they become pregnant because of changing hormone levels. As well, not all dental treatments should be undertaken when you are pregnant. Let your dentists know that you are pregnant as soon as you know. Even if you are only a few weeks along to a month you need to let this be known.

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