Thank you so much for updating your medical information. Something that may seem small or not important relating to your health can actually have a significant influence on the outcome of dental treatment we provide to you.
By updating your medical forms for us, we have your accurate and updated medical information. This helps us provide your dental care as safely as possible. Below are examples of how our oral health relates to our overall health.
Allergies to:
- Metals such as silver or nickel may cause chronic gum inflammation if we use any metal fillings or crowns to restore your teeth.
- Medications we use such as antibiotics may cause adverse reactions.
- Dust, pollen, pet dander, or other allergens may cause mouth breathing which may affect the growth and development of children, tooth grinding, gum inflammation, and decay.
- Allergies that result in sinus issues may manifest as tooth aches.
Medications may cause:
- Tooth grinding or clenching.
- Swelling of the gums not related to infection or bacteria, especially with some blood pressure medications.
- Dry mouth. If we take more than 2 medications, we are already at risk for dry mouth. Our saliva helps to protect and repair our teeth. Without good quality or quantity of saliva, we may have extra bacterial growth and weaker teeth leaving us more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. We will modify your dental care strategies if you may have dry mouth. Sjogren's and cancer treatments may also contribute to dry mouth.
- Our jawbone to get infected, especially with cancer treatment or osteoporosis medications.This may happen after tooth removal, gum surgery, or from a denture that doesn’t fit well.
Pregnancy or birth control pills:
- If on birth control pills, they make not work well if we prescribe antibiotics for a dental infection.
- Pregnancy often causes our gums to be more inflamed. This can affect mom and baby’s health so more frequent dental cleanings may be helpful.
Overall health:
- Diabetes and smoking can especially affect our gum health. Any autoimmune or inflammatory issues in our body such as from rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis can also affect our gum and overall health. Gum disease doubles our risk for heart disease. Our risk increases if we have high blood pressure. Our risk greatly increases if we also have diabetes and/or smoking/vaping and/or other autoimmune or inflammatory issues.
- Previous trauma such as whiplash or concussions may contribute to TMJ issues.
- Joint replacements may require antibiotics prior to dental treatment.
- Joint replacement surgeries, heart attacks, strokes, or recent infections may require a delay of dental treatment for your safety.
- Certain heart conditions may require the use of certain local anesthetics.
- What we eat or drink can affect our teeth and gums, so understanding certain diet requirements may affect what strategies we use for your dental care.
- Acid reflux can erode away our teeth and may require altered preventative care.
- Sleep apnea can be damaging to both our teeth and gums, in addition to other organs of our body. In kids, this can contribute to growth and development changes.
- Smoking or vaping will affect any dental surgery prognosis.
- Blood thinners may affect your bleeding during certain dental treatments.
- Asthma attacks, seizures, fainting, strokes, heart attacks and other emergencies can occur in the dental office. Notifying us of any knowns risks will better help us care for you or your family members should something occur in the office.