Filling out a medical history form for a dental office is important for many reasons. A medical history form allows the dentist to be well-informed about any allergies or health conditions you may have. With this type of form, you can also list your medications and any previous surgeries you’ve had.
Although many patients prefer to keep this information private, the dentist needs to know this information in order to keep you safe and to know the best course of action for your dental health.
If you’re not entirely convinced that your dentist needs to know all facets of your medical history, keep reading to understand why it’s important to fill out a medical history form as accurately and completely as possible.
Medical History Form for Dental Office: Medications
Why is it important for dentists to know all your medications? This is a commonly asked question.
Some medications you take on a regular basis may impact your course of dental treatment. In the scenario that you require medication before, during, or after a dental procedure, the dentist needs to know the medications you take so that he or she can prescribe you a medication that won’t have a negative interaction with your regular dose of medication. There are also some medications that have negative interactions with certain types of anesthetics; the type of anesthetic you are given before dental surgery may depend on medications you’re on.
Improving Oral Health
Also, if your dentist knows what medications you’re using, this can help them improve your dental health; certain medications can be the underlying cause of many dental issues. For example, some medications cause dry mouth and dry mouth not only increases the risk for cavities but can also lead to gum disease. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to a root canal or tooth loss.
A dentist will never tell you to stop taking your medication because it causes dry mouth, but they will keep a closer eye on any changes in your oral health and may suggest for you to come in more frequently. Some vitamins and natural remedies can also have negative side effects on your teeth and gums.
To keep your safety in check and determine the best course of action, the dentist needs to be informed of any and all medications you are taking.
Health Conditions Highlighted in Medical History Form for Dental Office
Implications for Immune System
Some health conditions like diabetes, and some medications like steroids, reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. Poor immunity could be the underlying cause of any oral health issues you may have, and this would be beneficial for the dentist to know.
It’s also important to have a healthy immune system before a major dental procedure. A healthy immune system can help fight off infections and if the surgery puts you at risk for infection, your dentist may prescribe you an antibiotic (that doesn’t have any negative interactions with medication you’re currently taking).
Dentists also never want to put their patients in a position where their health and immunity could be compromised. Before surgical dental procedures, it is best for the patient to have optimal health and for the patient to let their dentist know otherwise.
Periodontitis and Increased Health Risks
Informing your dentist of health conditions can also help them better understand your oral health and monitor changes in tooth health more closely. Patients with heart disease tend to be more susceptible to periodontal diseases. In some studies, it has been suggested that periodontal disease-causing bacteria has the potential to play an active part in making the heart disease worse in a patient and increase their risk of heart failure.
Similarly, patients with diabetes are also at a higher risk for periodontal disease. Patients with diabetes also have an increased risk for wound infection post-dental surgery and their gums take much longer to heal after any type of dental procedure. Therefore, it is very important for your dentist to know your history of diabetes, so that he or she can prescribe adequate medication to decrease your risk of infection post-surgery.
Have Artificial Parts? Add This to Your Medical History Form for Dental Office
Some patients with artificial parts need to take preventive antibiotics before certain dental procedures are performed. For example, patients with an artificial heart valve may need to take an antibiotic prior to certain treatments to help prevent a serious infection from occurring.
Another situation where a patient may need to take a prescribed antibiotic before a dental procedure is if the patient has had a knee or hip replacement. Patients who have a history of joint replacement may have to first undergo a cycle of antibiotic prophylaxis before the dental treatment begins.
The relevance of this treatment is that it helps to eliminate any oral bacteria from entering the bloodstream so that it does not adversely affect the new joint. Therefore, it is imperative that you give your dentist full information about any such surgery that you may have undergone in your medical history.
Medical History Form for Dental Office is Kept Private
All information on your medical history questionnaire is kept strictly private and is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality meaning, it will not be shared with anyone outside your dentist office without your permission.
Sometimes your dentist may wish to speak with your family doctor or medical specialist to get more details about your medical situation. If your dentist needs to consult with your doctor or another health-care provider, this will be discussed with you first.
Medical History Form for Dental Office at Best Dentist in Kelowna
At the risk of sounding redundant, it is extremely important for you to complete your medical history form for dental office as accurately and completely as possible. It is also as equally important to update your dental medical history form whenever there’s a change in your health or prescribed medications.
For dental professionals who truly want to improve your dental health in the most comfortable and safe way possible, connect with True Dental today!
*This post originally appeared on truedental.ca