The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This allows them to monitor your oral health so they can catch and treat any areas of concern before they have a chance to worsen, preventing the need for more complex and costly procedures.
But your provider needs to know about certain changes to your oral or overall health to avoid doing anything that might cause an adverse reaction. With that in mind, continue reading to learn about 3 things to share with your dentist during your next appointment!
Update #1: New Medical Diagnoses
Many people think of their dental condition as separate from their general health, but the two are actually closely linked together. For example, certain medical conditions, like diabetes or pregnancy, can significantly increase the likelihood of developing dental problems, like gum disease. Letting your dentist know about it can help them prevent commonly associated concerns.
Your provider will likely update your medical history before starting their routine examination, but if they don’t, please be sure to bring up any recent diagnoses or other changes to your condition since your last appointment so they don’t do anything that might harm your general well-being.
Update #2: Current Prescriptions & Supplements
It’s also wise to let your oral healthcare provider know about changes to any prescription medications or supplements that you take regularly, because these might also affect your dental condition.
For instance, different antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-depressants can block saliva production, which can cause dry mouth. Unfortunately, unhealthy bacteria in your mouth tend to thrive in such conditions, which increases the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. If your dentist knows about new medicines before starting your exam, they can take the necessary steps to prevent commonly associated concerns.
Update #3: Any Changes to Your Dental Condition
Early signs of common problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay, can be easy to miss, so they often progress into more advanced stages. But certain changes to your teeth or gums that might indicate a developing issue, such as bleeding when you brush and floss or an altered bite alignment, are often more recognizable.
Taking the time to inform your dentist of anything you’ve noticed in your mouth lets them know what they might need to watch out for. Then, they can assess your condition and provide a customized treatment plan as needed to address any potential problems.
The more information you share with your dentist about changes to your oral or overall health since your last visit, the better they can tailor services to meet your unique needs!
Meet the Author
Dr. Alexandria Arditti has nearly 10 years of experience helping individual and families build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. She graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and today, she offers a complete menu of services, including routine preventive care, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Her compassionate approach, paired with advanced technology, allows her to deliver comfortable, accurate treatment results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (714) 592-4294.