Why do Dentists Ask About Medical History?

Have you ever wondered why dentists ask about medical history? It’s because your medical history is closely connected to overall health and it can inform both your existing condition and your future treatments. Certain medical conditions, medications and past treatments affect your teeth, gums and oral tissues just like they affected the other systems and areas of your body that were treated. To give you an example, the medical condition of diabetes increases the risk of gum disease. Certain prescription medications can cause dry mouth, which makes it more likely that the toothache that made you book an appointment with yourdentist in Jacksonville, FL is actually a cavity partially brought on by dry mouth. See how it’s all related? So the next time your dentist asks you those pesky questions about your medical history, now you know why.

Identifying Potential Risks

Some dental procedures carry risks that can be influenced by your health status. For example, if you have a heart condition, your dentist may need to take precautions to prevent infections during dental treatments. For all your dentist knows, you could be taking beta blockers or other drugs that could make it necessary to adjust your root canal treatment. In the same way, patients with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications may require specific adjustments during surgical procedures. Your medical history helps the dentist anticipate and manage these risks.

This is why it’s smart to have afamily dentist in Jacksonville, FL, too. When your dentist knows all about your family history of medical conditions, they are better at all the things that they do, like diagnostics and treatment. By understanding your health background, dentists can offer safe, effective, and comprehensive care, ensuring your oral health contributes positively to your general health!