A dental checkup isn’t just about your teeth. Your overall health, medications, and lifestyle can influence your oral health and may affect which dental treatments are appropriate for you. That’s why it’s important to give your dentist an accurate health history and mention any significant changes since your last appointment. Here are several health factors worth discussing at your next dental visit.
New Medications
Tell your dentist about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking. Some medications can contribute to dry mouth, affect bleeding, or interact with medications used during dental treatment.
If you’ve recently started or stopped a medication, let your dental team know. Keeping an updated medication list can help your dentist plan treatment more safely.
Recent Medical Diagnoses
A new medical diagnosis can affect your dental care. Conditions that influence your immune system, blood sugar, blood pressure, bones, or cardiovascular health may be relevant when planning certain procedures.
You don’t need to assume which conditions matter. Tell your dentist about significant changes in your health so they can determine whether additional precautions or communication with another healthcare provider may be appropriate.
Changes in Your Oral Health
Don’t wait for your dentist to notice a problem before mentioning it. Tell them about bleeding gums, persistent mouth sores, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, bad breath, loose teeth, or changes in your bite.
Even symptoms that seem minor can provide useful clues about your oral health.
Pregnancy or Plans for Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, let your dental team know. Pregnancy can cause changes in your gums and may affect how your dentist approaches certain treatments and medications.
Routine dental care can still be important during pregnancy, but your dentist can tailor your care to your circumstances.
Tobacco, Alcohol, or Other Habits
Be honest about tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and vaping products. These habits can affect your gums, teeth, healing, and overall oral health.
Your dentist may also ask about habits such as teeth grinding, nail biting, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packages. These behaviors can contribute to chips, cracks, or excessive tooth wear.
Changes in Your Stress or Sleep
Stress can sometimes contribute to habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth. Sleep problems can also be relevant, particularly if you’ve developed loud snoring, nighttime breathing problems, or significant daytime sleepiness.
Mentioning these changes can help your dentist determine whether further evaluation may be appropriate.
You don’t have to know whether a particular detail is important. When in doubt, mention it. Your dentist can determine what information matters for your oral health and treatment plan.
About the Practice
Preventive dental care matters, which is why we emphasize coming to see Drs. Admasu Gizachew and Norman Margolies every 6 months. Along with our experienced staff members, they will provide a professional cleaning and thorough examination to detect any potential issues pertaining to your oral health. Schedule your appointment via our website or by calling our Brick Township office at (732) 475-7535.