We are all familiar with the monogamy of completing a medical history form. They're all the same, or similar enough, and can become tedious after a variety of different office visits. However, we wanted to remind you about the importance of providing a complete and accurate medical history, especially when you visit your dentist.
There is an undeniable link between oral health and whole body health - for example, inflammation in oral tissues can be an early sign of systemic inflammatory issues.
Moreover, the medications prescribed by your general health practitioner, your cardiologist, or even the supplements available over the counter can affect the steps we take when you're in our dental chair. For example, there are many medications that may interact with the local anesthetic that is used to keep you numb during fillings. Without knowing exactly what medications you're taking, we can't adjust our treatment to best serve you.
Additionally, medical conditions like diabetes can cause slow healing and impact oral lesion or wound resolution. Auto immune disorders increase inflammation, which can lead to gingivitis or periodontal concerns. It is important for us, as your providers, to understand what may be the root cause of the symptoms we see, and also keep us on the look out for early warning signs of further distress.
It is crucial that we receive the most accurate account of any past or current medical conditions, allergies, and medications. We strive to provide you the best care we can in order to continue supporting your health, and this is just another manifestation of our practice motto, "Choose Health. Choose Yourself."