WHY DOES MY DENTIST NEED TO KNOW MY MEDICAL HISTORY?

July 27, 2020

Have you wondered why you always have to fill out a detailed medical history form when you come to a new dentist? There are many factors in you overall health that may contribute to your oral health. There are also many conditions and medications that could play an important part in your dental treatment, so the more your dentist knows, the more appropriate and comprehensive your dental care will be.

COVID EPIDEMIC

During these uncertain times, we all have to do everything we can to minimise the risk of infecting our patients, staff and families.

  • Let us know prior to the appointment and delay booking if you have any COVID-like symptoms, however mild: runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, fever, stomach upsets, loss of taste and/or smell

GENERAL HEALTH

Be honest about your general health, as many diseases can affect dental health and treatment:

  • Heart and blood pressure problems can be linked to gum disease.
  • Joint replacement or certain heart disorders may require you to take prophylactic antibiotic cover prior to having dental procedures to prevent infections
  • High or low blood pressure, as well as pregnancy, may require a specific local anaesthetic to be used in dental procedures
  • Certain pacemakers may prevent a dentist from using specific tooth cleaning techniques
  • Blood disorders/severe bleeding has to be taken into account with any tooth extractions or other surgical procedures where bleeding is a risk
  • Asthma / breathing difficulties may cause a dry mouth, so higher chance of decay and gum disease
  • Allergies to latex have to be known by a dentist so as not to cause an allergic reaction by the use of every-day gloves

MEDICATIONS

  • Many cause a dry mouth, making you more susceptible to decay and gum disease
  • Some interact with anaesthetic being used, which can make you quite sick
  • Certain medications that the dentist may routinely prescribe have to be avoided if you’ve had prior allergic reactions to these or dependence.

KEEP IT CURRENT

Update your medical history with your dentist every 2 years or if any changes take place:

  • Pregnancy
  • Change in medication
  • Any recent surgeries/treatments

Always provide your GP’s details in case your dentist needs to contact them.

Rest be assured that your medical history is always kept private and will not be shared with anyone without your permission.