During your dental checkup, you might bring up the usual dental stains, sensitivity, redness, and bleeding, but don’t forget about changes to your health. Looping your dentist into your overall well-being can help them provide the personalized care you deserve. That said, you might wonder exactly what’s worth mentioning. Here are three health factors your provider should know.
New Medication You Started
As you get older, you may start new medications. They help you support your body, but they can have dry mouth as a side effect. This impacts saliva production and slows it down. Without adequate amounts, you won’t be able to wash away harmful bacteria from your smile as easily. Plaque can accumulate and attack your teeth and gums more easily than before. So, by letting your dentist know about the medicine you’re on, they can help you avoid issues.
Lifestyle Habits & Diet
Several bad oral habits can impact your grin if you aren’t careful. Using tobacco can lead to dry mouth and weaken your immune system. Using your teeth as tools or biting hard objects can lead to chips and cracks. If any of these are true for you, then your dentist can help you take steps to prevent any problems.
If you tend to indulge in sugary or acidic foods, your provider should know how often you eat them. These items weaken your enamel and increase your risk of decay. This can open the door to getting services like fluoride treatments or professional teeth whitening.
Systemic Health Conditions
Diabetes, heart disease, and other systemic conditions might seem like they don’t affect your smile, but they can. They have been linked with dental problems, such as gum disease. Not only that, but they can also affect your eligibility for services like dental treatments. Keeping your dentist updated can let them understand any potential complications and stop them.
In the end, keeping your provider updated on your overall health can be worth it. Informing them will help them take better care of your smile and let you get the stronger teeth and gums you deserve.
About the Practice
Want to preserve your grin? Our team at DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton is dedicated to helping patients with a wide range of dental problems by offering customized care. Led by Dr. Durga Devarakonda and Dr. Holland Morrison, we use state-of-the-art technology to pinpoint the issue and correct it. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 245-3395.