Why it’s Important to tell your Dentist about Allergies or Medical Conditions

When you go to see your dentist, you do it to take care of your teeth. That being the case, there’s no need to talk to your dentist about the rest of your body, right? Wrong. There are some very important reasons to tell your dentist about allergies and other medical conditions you may have. Here are some medical issues you should be discussing with your dentist.

• Allergies: It’s particularly important to tell your dentist about any allergies to medications or a latex allergy, since dentists use medicines and latex products when treating you. Other allergies could be important as well. If you have skin that is reactive to certain non-precious metals, it could indicate a metal allergy. If you were to get a metal filling, it could become a complicated problem. Provide your dentist with a full list of your allergies, and if any new allergies arise, amend the list.
• Bacterial Infections: Bacteria from an infection can get into your blood and travel throughout the body, even affecting the mouth. An infection in your body can cause problems in your mouth, so your dentist needs to know about any infections and how they’re being treated.
• Heart Trouble: Your dental medication and procedures can have an impact on your cardiovascular health, but heart disease can also put you at a higher risk for oral issues like periodontal disease. If you have a heart condition or you’ve had a heart-related treatment or procedure, tell your dentist. Information your doctor needs to know includes things like artificial heart valves, transplant issues, heart surgery, pacemakers, and endocarditis.
• Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, your dentist may want to change some things about treating you, like the frequency of x-rays.
• Chronic Conditions: Asthma and other breathing problems should be reported to your dentist. Epilepsy is another condition your dentist should be aware of. Essentially, any condition that might have an effect on medication your dentist uses in treating you should be reported.
• New Medication: Some medicines cause symptoms like decreased saliva production, tooth sensitivity, and trouble with your oral soft tissues. Any medication, whether over the counter or prescribed, is something your doctor should know about.
• Surgeries: Surgery increases your risk of infection, so let your doctor know if you’ve had any recent surgeries.
• Potentially Hazardous Habits: Lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol or using tobacco are important for your dentist to know. Regular drinking increases the risk of tooth decay, and tobacco use has been linked to many oral health issues. Be specific about your lifestyle choices because some things affect your mouth more than others. Chewing tobacco, for instance, has a different impact than cigarettes. Occasional drinking affects your mouth differently from daily drinking.

At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.