Why we ask about your medical history when you visit us
When you come to visit us, we’ll often ask about your medical history, any medications you are taking, allergies you may have, and whether anything has changed since your last appointment. You might wonder why we need to know this information, and we often hear, “Nothing that will impact my teeth.”
Your mouth and the rest of your body are closely connected. Your general health can influence your oral health, and what is happening in your mouth can also have an impact on your overall health. Knowing your medical history helps us understand the bigger picture and provide care that is safe and appropriate for you.
Many health conditions and medications can affect your dental treatment. Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding, affect healing, contribute to a dry mouth (which can create a range of dental issues), or influence the treatment options we recommend.
It works the other way too. Conditions in the mouth, particularly gum disease and ongoing infection or inflammation, can be associated with your general health. This is one of the reasons we don’t look at your teeth and gums in isolation — your oral health is part of your overall health.
We also need to know when things change. If you have started a new medication, stopped taking one, had a new diagnosis, or had a recent surgery, please let us know — even if you are unsure whether it is related to your teeth. Keeping your medical history up to date only takes a few minutes, but it helps us make sure we are providing the safest and most appropriate care possible.
Some people find it difficult to remember their medications, especially if they are taking several. A good idea is to keep an up-to-date list stored on your phone or written down in your wallet. We may not be the only healthcare providers who ask for it, and this information isn’t automatically shared with us by your GP or pharmacist.
So, even if you don’t think a change in your health or medication has anything to do with your teeth, please tell us. Sometimes the things that seem completely unrelated are actually important for us to know.