It is essential that you keep your Dental Information of any changes in your health status. Doing this will enable them to determine if there are any potential oral health issues for which you need additional attention.
Dentists and hygienists are trained to spot warning signs that may be difficult for you to spot on your own. Issues like cavities, gum disease, even oral cancer can become complex to treat if not caught early.
Dental History
Before visiting your dentist, there are a few essential things you should be aware of. One such issue is your dental history.
Your dentist can use this information to make an accurate diagnosis and guarantee any treatments are carried out correctly. Furthermore, it helps prevent future issues with your oral health.
A quality dental practice should have a medical history questionnaire available for patients to fill out before their appointment – this saves time, acts as a clinical record and facilitates the questioning process.
Your dental health is closely connected to your overall wellbeing. If you suffer from diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, make sure your dentist knows about these conditions so they can be effectively managed.
Medical History
Before visiting your dentist, it is essential that you provide them with complete details about your health and any medical conditions you may have. This includes both personal and family medical history as well as any medications taken.
Your medical history helps your doctor assess your risk for certain diseases or conditions and guide them in selecting a treatment plan. It also helps keep existing issues from reoccurring.
Many dental practices utilize their own medical history questionnaires that patients must fill out prior to their first appointment. Practitioners should make sure all questions have been answered and any “yes” answers correctly interpreted.
Pregnancy
Maintaining good dental health during pregnancy is essential for both you and your unborn child’s wellbeing. Studies have connected poor dental hygiene and gum disease to preterm births, low birthweight babies, as well as preeclampsia – an infection that affects millions of women worldwide.
Dentists are well aware of this and take extra precautions when they know you’re expecting. They will use a lead apron or vest to shield both you and your unborn child from radiation exposure during X-rays.
Pregnancy makes it especially important to get regular check-ups and cleanings from your dentist, as hormonal changes make you more vulnerable to periodontal disease and tender gums that bleed easily – known as pregnancy gingivitis. If they notice these changes, they’ll suggest a treatment plan to help protect against them.
Tobacco Use
Smoking has been linked to a host of oral health issues, such as oral cancer, mouth ulcers, gum disease, stained teeth and impaired healing. Dentists play an integral role in helping their patients quit tobacco use for good.
Nicotine found in cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream when smokers use these products. Furthermore, second-hand smoke also contributes to nicotine absorption.
Dental professionals can assist their patients in quitting smoking by offering advice and counselling. They may also refer them to services that provide free evidence-based interventions, such as telephone quit lines, quit sites, and telehealth programs.
Diet
Diet is an integral factor in maintaining dental health, as it can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that patients consume a balanced diet low in sugar and high in nutrients. It should include foods from each major food group.
Skipping a meal before visiting the dentist can cause your blood sugar levels to dip, leaving you feeling weak and dizzy. It may also make it difficult for you to remain calm during the procedure.
Conclusion
Before your appointment, avoid foods that are too stringy or crunchy; these can get stuck in your teeth and make it harder for the dental hygienist to clean them effectively.
