Why Do You Need to Share Your Medical History with the Dentist?

We will also ask for details of your registered GP, which helps us to gather a more complete picture of your overall health. If you’re not sure about any of the questions covered in the questionnaire, you can request that your GP sends your medical records to your dentist. 

What does the dentist need to know?

It is important that you fill out the medical history questionnaire in as much detail as possible. Even if you do not think it relates to your oral hygiene, it is important that the dentist is aware if you are taking medication, are undergoing any medical treatment, have ongoing medical conditions or have had any surgery within the last six months.

We are treating you, not just your teeth!

Below are some examples of questions and the reasons we ask them

- Have you ever had liver or kidney disease? If yes, some patients require lower doses of local anaesthetic. Patients can also be at increased risk of gingival hyperplasia.

- Do you suffer from Arthritis? This can affect a patient’s oral health and some medications for arthritis can affect treatment options.

- Do you suffer from any Infectious Diseases such as HIV/​Hepatitis? Patients can be more susceptible to infection and take longer to heal, which may affect treatment options. There is also a higher risk of certain gum conditions.

- Have you ever had brain surgery? Patients who have had brain surgery – particularly with older surgical practices – could be at increased risk of exposure to CJD. This is a very small risk, but it’s something we need to be aware of so we can adjust our instrument sterilisation procedures accordingly. 

- Have you ever had growth hormone treatment? Before 1980’s, growth hormones were administered by transplantation of extracts from human tissue and this has since been linked with increased risk of exposure to CJD.

- How many units of alcohol do you drink per week? Patients who smoke as well as drink alcohol are at increased risk of oral cancer. Gum disease is also more likely.

Details of your medication are especially important. Certain medications will affect which treatments it is safe to perform within the dental surgery. If you are on blood thinning medication such as Warfarin, the dentist may need you to get your INR checked to confirm your clotting levels before performing certain invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions.

The link between oral health and overall health

There is a complex link between your oral health and your overall health, so it’s important that we know any relevant medical history that could help us to deliver better care. And if we spot any early signs of issues that might be impacting your wider health, we can better advise you on how to approach this.

Studies have found a link between conditions such as gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease, for example. We also know there is a link between diabetes and gum disease. When we have your medical history, we can provide a more comprehensive level of care, as we can see the whole patient and not just their teeth.

Pregnancy and oral health

An example of a change in your health that you might want to keep your dentist informed about is pregnancy. Your oral health is very important during this special time, as you will be at increased risk of developing certain conditions that could impact the health of your baby.

Pregnancy hormones are known to impact your gum health, leaving you at increased risk of developing gum disease and gestational diabetes. This places your child at risk, as mothers with poor oral health are more likely to suffer birthing complications, including preterm labour and low birth weight.

If you are pregnant, you’ll also need to keep your dentist in the loop so that they can schedule treatment around the due date, avoiding longer procedures during your third trimester.

Your dentist might also reconsider their approach with sedation, X‑rays and anaesthetic. While it might not change your treatment at all, it’s important for your dentist to be aware and informed so they can make decisions accordingly.

Your dentist might also need to update your GP

Having your GP’s details to hand will also help us to keep your GP in the loop – with your permission. We might refer you to your GP for health problems that are related to your dental care, but that we can’t tackle alone.

An example of this would be sleep disorders that are impacting your oral health. You might need to attend a sleep study to understand things like teeth grinding or sleep apnea, for example. 

The same goes for patients we suspect might be suffering from diabetes. The first signs of diabetes are often visible in your mouth, so your routine dental checkup could be essential for diagnosing this potentially life-changing condition.

When we are able to work alongside your GP, we can achieve better health outcomes for our patients. It’s not just about your oral health, but about your wider health.

How often does my medical history need updating?

After your first visit, it is important that you notify the dentist of any changes to your medical history every time you attend. This will ensure that you will always receive the most appropriate care.

Changes that your dentist would be interested in could include:

- A new diagnosis, such as diabetes, heart disease or high/​low blood pressure

- New medications you are taking

- Epilepsy or seizure disorders

- Clotting or bleeding disorders

- Neurological conditions

It’s always best to be over-prepared when it comes to your medical history, so you can ask us to request an updated history if you aren’t sure. 

How can I be sure the information will be handled and stored securely?

Here at Leigh Dental Centre we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office who regulate how we store and handle all patient information. 

Dentists are bound in the same way as GPs to patient confidentiality and we will never share your information without first gaining your consent. For example, this may be necessary if we need to refer you for specialist treatment.

We will usually keep your dental records for 11 years after our last contact, or when a patient turns 25, whichever is longer. This helps to ensure you have a chance to register with a new dentist without worrying that your records will go missing. You can request that your records are updated to address any inaccuracies at any time, in line with data protection laws.

Remember next time you are updating your medical history, the team at Leigh Dental Centre care about your health and want to give you the personalised attention you need, so please be sure to let us know your complete medical history. If you would like to discuss your needs further, do not hesitate to call Leigh Dental Centre today on 01702 472929.