Many patients think that their dentist does not need to know their complete health history or medications. It can seem like a waste of time filling out all of that paperwork, but we assure you, it is essential for us to know about your complete health history.
Health Conditions Impact Your Dental Treatment Plan
Many health issues that patients have can affect their oral health. For example, patients who are not in control of their diabetes will not heal as well as patients with regulated blood sugar. Patients who have bleeding disorders or are on blood thinners for heart issues are likely to have bleeding after cleanings or even fillings near the gum line. Patients treated for breast cancer or osteoporosis with certain medications can develop bone healing problems after extractions or implant surgery. Many issues like these may not initially look like dental issues but can develop into issues if not revealed to your dentist.
The mouth can also be an early site to reveal bodily issues. For example, vitamin deficiencies can show up as frequent tissue ulcers, anemia can make your gums pale, and plaque in your carotid arteries can be seen on our panoramic x-rays.
Dental Health is Part of Your Overall Health
The biggest reason to give a complete medical history to your dentist is that your dental health is part of your overall health. Many medications and health issues affect your dental health, just as your dental health and what you eat can affect your overall health. So when asked at your dentist for a full medical history, please be thorough; it is a significant part of understanding you and your health as a whole.
