Important Things You Should Always Tell Your Dentist
/Even though you visit your dentist for the purpose of caring for your teeth, there are other things he or she will need to know in order to give you the highest quality care. It’s important to remember that oral health is but one part of your overall health. The best dental practitioners understand this and will want to make sure that they have a sense of the big picture. Here are some important pieces of information you will want to make sure you mention to your dentist when you present for treatment.
Even though you visit your dentist for the purpose of caring for your teeth, there are other things he or she will need to know in order to give you the highest quality care. It’s important to remember that oral health is but one part of your overall health. The best dental practitioners understand this and will want to make sure that they have a sense of the big picture. Here are some important pieces of information you will want to make sure you mention to your dentist when you present for treatment.
General Dental Complaints
It should go without saying that typical complaints related to the teeth such as pain or bleeding gums should always be reported to your dentist during check-ups and other routine visits. If symptoms like these become troublesome between regularly scheduled appointments, make an appointment to see your dentist before they become too severe. It’s important to treat symptoms before they become too extreme, so that you avoid unnecessary emergency procedures. Most dental symptoms turn out to be indicators of mild conditions. If addressed early, you can prevent more serious situations from developing.
Prior Medical Conditions
There are certain medical conditions that can have an impact on the health of your teeth and gums. Any condition that compromises your immune system, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS and sickle cell anemia will make you more susceptible to infections. If you require any oral procedures, from the most basic teeth cleaning and filling of cavities to oral surgery such as tooth extraction or more involved periodontal work like root canal, you may be asked to pre-medicate with antibiotics to prevent infections.
Dental Symptoms as Indications of Other Conditions
Certain oral symptoms such as gums that bleed excessively or mouth sores that do not heal properly can be a sign of other systemic health conditions. Sometimes chronic illnesses like diabetes or HIV go undiagnosed until symptoms begin appearing. Teeth that become loose or fall out can be a sign of osteoporosis. Unusual symptoms such as strange spots or sores in the mouth can turn out to be cancer. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s happening in the mouth and you’re not sure what it is, tell your own dentist, before it gets bad enough that you need an emergency dentist.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, or you think there’s even a chance that you are pregnant, you need to tell your dentist. During pregnancy, your dentist will need to take extra precautions to protect your unborn child from the harmful effects of x-rays. Certain medications may be contraindicated. Pregnancy can sometimes cause anemia. Morning sickness may make you more sensitive to certain tastes and smells. It’s important that your dentist know that pregnancy is either a reality or a possibility so he or she can take that into account during all aspects of your treatment.
Fear of Dental Pain
Many people have an inordinate fear of going to the dentist, primarily because of the pain. Thoughts of drilling or injections can be anxiety-provoking for many individuals. If you have an extreme fear of dental procedures, talk to your dentist prior to treatment to see if he or she can help. Sometimes having things explained to you in advance can allay concerns. There are also other types of techniques or even relaxing medications that can be used. See if your dentist utilizes nitrous oxide as part of treatment, as this can also help to calm the nerves.
Conclusion
It’s vital that you share these fundamental pieces of information about yourself with your dentist. When you are asked to provide these details on your medical history form, it’s not just a formality. It’s an integral part of your treatment. Not offering key facts about your physical or mental status, or your current medications can have dire consequences, especially if you’re visiting an emergency dentist, when the stress can easily make you skip crucial medical information and cause even more problems. Remember that your dentist is part of your healthcare team, and so are you. The more open and clear you are with one another, the better you can all be in achieving your common goal – the health of you and your teeth!