Did you know there’s a link between oral and overall health? The human body is complex—it may not be obvious, but a problem in one system can impact the performance of another.
Sharing medical information and health concerns with your dentist is essential for developing an effective plan that addresses your oral health needs. It helps give them a better idea of your dental health so they can evaluate it properly knowing what to be vigilant about.
Read on to learn a few health factors you should share with your dentist during your next dental checkup.
Oral Hygiene Routine
It’s important to let your dentist in on what your daily oral care routine looks like, from how often you’re brushing and flossing to what kind of toothpaste you use. Being transparent with your dentist about your regimen helps give them insight into any dental health risks, like tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
Medical Conditions
Be sure to mention any current or recent medical condition for which you’ve received treatment. Two chronic conditions that have a large impact on oral health are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Periodontitis, the most severe form of periodontal disease, often develops in diabetic patients. It can be prevented, or treated, with the help of your dentist, which is why you should disclose this condition at your checkup.
If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, periodontal disease and poor dental health can further increase your blood pressure and make medication less effective. To monitor your safety and overall health, your dentist will check your blood pressure at your bi-annual checkup and before any sort of dental procedure.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Do you smoke or drink regularly? Both habits can have a detrimental effect on your dental health. Tobacco has been linked with many severe oral health issues and regularly drinking alcohol increases your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Clueing your dentist in will help them address your needs without risking potential complications.
Medications
If you regularly take any medicine, mention them to your dentist as the most common side effect is dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth can damage tooth enamel, harm your gums, and increase your risk of periodontal disease or thrush.
Tender and Bleeding Gums
Swollen, tender, bleeding, and visibly red or irritated gums are all symptoms of gingivitis. This state of chronic gum inflammation is the first stage of periodontal disease. If detected early, gingivitis can be treated to prevent progression.
There’s no such thing as over-sharing when it comes to your health. Transparency will ensure you’re getting the best care possible, so you can enjoy a healthy smile, and body, for a lifetime.
Meet the Dentists
Dr. Suzanne Najjar and Dr. Caitlyn Le share a strong desire to leave every patient smiling, providing top-tier dental care to families in need. Dr. Najjar and the rest of the team at Amaze Dental understand that routine dental visits are some of the most important appointments you can make, which is why they work hard to provide a comfortable and efficient experience each time. During your visit, they will give you opportunities to ask questions about your teeth or share any concerns. To schedule your routine checkup, visit our website or call (972) 846-0581.