When you visit your dentist, you may notice that they take an interest in your overall medical history, not just your dental history. This is because the health of your mouth and the health of your body are closely connected; in order to provide effective care for your smile, your dentist needs a complete picture of your overall well-being. To make their job easier, you should make a point of bringing up the following 4 health factors during your next preventive dental appointment.
1. Your Oral Hygiene Habits
It should be no surprise that your dentist will want to know as much as possible about your daily oral hygiene routine. Be sure to mention how often you brush and floss as well as the type of toothpaste you use. Knowing about the care you give your smile can help your dentist evaluate your overall risk for cavities and other oral health issues.
2. Any Medications You’ve Recently Started Using
Certain medications can end up having an impact on your overall health. For example, many antidepressants and decongestants can cause dry mouth as a side effect, resulting in less saliva to wash away harmful bacteria. It’s important to let your dentist know about any medications that you may have started using since your last appointment.
3. Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can wreak havoc on your health in multiple ways, and it can even cause problems in your mouth. In particular, it can leave your gums more susceptible to infection, thus significantly increasing your risk for gum disease. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should tell your dentist so that they know to keep a close eye on the state of your gums.
4. Pain in Your Jaw
Chronic pain in your jaw can often be attributed to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, which is an issue with the joint that allows you to make the necessary movements for biting, chewing, and speaking. Depending on the root cause of your TMJ disorder, your dentist may be able to treat it with a personalized occlusal splint. As such, if your jaw has been hurting lately, you should definitely bring it up the next time you’re in the dental chair.
The more your dentist knows about your overall health, the better equipped they’ll be to bring you the dental care you deserve. It may be a good idea to make a list of all of your recent health changes so that you don’t forget to bring them up at your next dental appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Vong studied dentistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He belongs to the Northern Nevada Dental Society, the Nevada Dental Association, and other professional organizations. At Vista Dental Care in Sparks, he offers his patients high-quality care that has been tailored to meet their specific needs. If it has been a while since your last dental visit, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Vong by visiting his website or calling (775) 626-3535.