This three-part article series explains five important things you can do to get the very most out of your bi-annual appointments with the dentist and oral hygienist.

Welcome to the second installment of this three-part article series on how to get the most out of your bi-annual appointment with your dentist. In Part 1, we spoke to a tooth implants specialist in Chicago, who recommended that patients compile a list of problems, complaints and questions they may have, prior to their dental appointment. Whether you’ve noticed that your gums bleed easily when brushed, a particular tooth feels really sensitive or you find yourself struggling to floss… write it down and ask your dentist to take a look for you. You live with your teeth everyday, whereas your dentist only spends an hour with them once or twice a year, so diagnosis has to be a two-way street!

2. Make Sure You Update Your Medical History!

The receptionist at your Chicago dental office usually keeps a detailed medical history of every patient they have on file. This is usually reviewed by the dentist and oral hygienist when you go in for an appointment, so that any treatment or medication they recommend to you won’t come into conflict with any medical condition or medication you might have, or are already taking respectively. This is why it’s so important that you keep your medical history contemporary. “The next time you see your dentist, speak to the receptionist about updating your medical history,” recommends a new teeth specialist in Chicago. “This will help your dentist stay right up-to-date on your general health, which, believe it or not, plays a fundamental role in dental health.”

For example, diabetes shares a known link with gum disease. Certain medicines can cause “dry mouth”, which can put you at a higher risk of developing cavities and tooth decay, since your saliva is your body’s natural defense against bacteria. Essentially, the more your Chicago dental healthcare practitioner knows about your general health as a whole, the better they will be able to care for your oral health.

3. Provide Your Dentist With a List Of All The Medicines You May Be Taking… Vitamins and Supplements Included

“Several different medications have an impact upon oral health,” explains a new teeth specialist in Chicago. “We see this all the time. Patients who are on high blood pressure tablets or anti-depression pills tend to suffer from dry mouth, which leaves the teeth more vulnerable to decay and cavities. Gum problems are also common amongst patients on these kinds of medications. This is why we like patients to tell us about any chronic medications they might be on, so that we can offset the side effects to the best of our abilities. We’ll also educate patients in how to better care for their teeth, considering the impact of any medicines or supplements they may be taking.”

“We want to know about everything, even if you’re on Vitamin B supplements. Certain health pills can thin the blood, which can become a challenge when a patient comes in for dental work. Should any incisions be required, bleeding can be a problem. Talk to us… we don’t care how embarrassing you think any medications might be. Nothing can shock us. We’ve heard it all,” says the tooth implants specialist in Chicago. Please feel comfortable considering your practioner your trusted dental tour guide!

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out how else you can get the most out of you annual or bi-annual appointment with your dentist, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series.