Do I Need to Tell my Dentist About the Medications I am Taking?
You will need to let your dentist know about the medications you are taking. You will also need to let your dentist know about any medical conditions that you have. It is important for your dentist to have the most accurate and up-to-date information about your health.
The medications that you are taking may affect your dental health. For example, some medications are known to cause dry mouth and swollen gums. If your Houston dentist knows about the medications you are taking, then they may adjust your treatment plan.
The medications that you use may interact with the treatment plan that your Houston dentist recommends. Your dentist needs to be aware of these contraindications.
How Dry Mouth can Affect Your Dental Health
People who have dry mouth are more likely to suffer from gum disease. They are also more likely to develop cavities. Dry mouth can also be painful. Additionally, it is not easy to manage this condition. Many prescription medications cause dry mouth. If you take multiple medications at one time, then you are even more likely to suffer from dry mouth.
Medications for anxiety, high blood pressure and pain are the most likely to cause dry mouth. Your dentist needs to know your medical history because the health of your mouth is linked with the health of the rest of your body. For example, diabetes, which affects 10 percent of the population, affects the mouth along with the rest of the body.
People who have diabetes are more likely to develop oral infections and diabetes. The risk of complications can be minimized by working with a dentist. Furthermore, people who take good care of their teeth are less likely to have complications.
Do not Forget About Allergies
Anesthetics and antibiotics can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. That is why you will need to let your dentist know about allergies that you have. In many cases, the dentist will have to swap one medication for another.
Privacy
Your dentist takes your personal information seriously just like any other healthcare provider. Every healthcare professional is required to abide by the guidelines that are set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Your information will be kept private.
It can be difficult and stressful to explain your health history. The following checklist will help you prepare for your next dental appointment:
- What over-the-counter and prescription medications are you taking?
- Have you stopped, started or changed medication doses since your last appointment?
- Do you have any allergies?
- What physicians are you currently seeing?
- What health issues do you have?
- How is your health in general?
- Do you have any questions?
