Why Medical Histories Are Important For Dentists

When it comes to treating dental patients, it is essential that a full medical history is received prior to beginning an treatment or care. You need to be open and honest about your medical history in order to allow your dentist to provide dental services in a safe, effective way. Pre-existing conditions can be relevant when diagnosing dental problems and they can also have an effect on how your dentist can tackle them. Your initial visit to a dental office will involve filling out a medical history form. While some may be tempted to give this task short shrift, doing so may end up negatively impacting the treatment they receive. Instead, you need to be clear about any existing medical conditions and prescription medications you take.

Key conditions to address with the dentist

It is important to tell your dentist if you are a heavy smoker or drinker. Letting them know these fact about your lifestyle will help the dentist formulate proper treatment methods. Letting your dental professional know about medications you currently take is also essential, as there are some drugs that produce dry mouth, which can lead to gum disease. Some other conditions of which your dentist should be made aware include:

Osteoporosis

If you currently take medication for osteoporosis, it is important that you let your dentist know. The drugs used to treat this condition, asbiphosphonates, are known to case jaw issues, which can ultimately produce tooth loss.

Pregnancy

If you are expecting child, there are some dental treatments and procedures that should not be undertaken until after the baby is born.

Diabetes

Those suffering from diabetes that is difficult to control tend to have low resistance levels when it comes to infection. For that reson, periodontal disease is a real danger. These individuals also heal more slowly, are prone to hypoglycemia and uncontrollable bleeding. Individuals whose diabetes has not been officially diagnosed may experience severe hunger, thirst or increased urination.

High blood pressure

Drugs intended to treat this condition often produce side effects that can interfere with dental care. Those taking medication to address kidney, heart or liver disease must tell their dentist before starting any treatments. Such drugs can have dangerous interactions with other medicine, sometimes producing serious complications or failure of the treatment efforts.

Allergies, drinking and smoking

Heavy smokers and drinkers may have a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Dentists need to be aware of this potential danger. In addition, there are certain allergies that can negatively impact treatment and medications.

Syncope

This condition, marked by fainting, is something that dentists encounter with relative frequency. Patients need to report if they have had prior experiences with fainting in a dental or medical office. Syncope tends to be linked to coughing, orthostatic hypotension or perhaps medication interactions. While it tends to impact older patients the most, it is not uncommon for it to be seen in patients of all age ranges.

You need to find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable visiting regularly. The reason for this is that proper dental treatment requires ongoing professional familiarity with your medical history and any changes regarding your medications or care.

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The importance of having your dentist thoroughly examine your medical record cannot be over emphasized. To learn more about finding a skilled, experienced dental practitioner, please review the information at www.bewelldental.com.au/.

Posted on 2014-04-11, By: William Huynh *

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