It’s only natural to be a little confused when your dentist asks for an in-depth medical history. After all, you’ve already shared this information with your primary physician. Why does your dentist need it when he/she is only attending to the health of your mouth?
There are two reasons. For one thing, studies have shown a linkage between oral health and overall health, although depending on the circumstances, causality could go either way. In addition, your medical history could have an impact on how your dentist diagnoses and treats problems, as well as preventive steps taken to protect your teeth and gums.
Why does your dentist need to have a comprehensive accounting of your family and personal medical history, as well as any illnesses you currently have or medications you’re currently taking? It’s all in the best interest of the patient. Here’s what you need to know.
Importance of Health History
Does it really matter that your family has a history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer? You could understand the relevance if oral cancer runs in the family, but what does the rest of it have to do with dentistry?
If you have a long history of certain ailments, your risks for developing these conditions increases, and all of the health care professionals in your life should take part in watching for signs and symptoms, as well as enacting preventive measures. Knowing about your and your family’s health history ensures that your dentist has all the necessary information to diagnose and treat you properly while watching for the onset of potential health concerns.
Importance of Current Health and Medication Updates
You might not think your dentist needs to know that you have diabetes or that you’re undergoing treatment for breast cancer. As noted above, however, your overall health affects your oral health. Those with diabetes, for example, could be more prone to periodontal disease. If you’re only seeing your dentist for annual visits and you develop diabetes, he/she might want to increase your visits to twice a year.
Or suppose you’re undergoing chemotherapy. This medication (and others) can cause dry mouth. This is not only uncomfortable, but it can reduce your natural ability to flush away food and bacteria, leading to additional buildup that increases the risks of gum disease and tooth decay. Your dentist needs to know about changes in health history and medications you’re taking so that a proper course of treatment can be set, potentially harmful drug interactions can be avoided, and your oral health can be properly preserved.
