If your health status or medication routine has changed, you will need to update your dental records. Failure to do so may result in outdated health information that may impact your treatment. In addition, make sure that you alert the dental office staff to changes in your dental insurance, address, phone number, and emergency contact information. Here are some things that need to be updated in your dental records so that your dentist and dental office staff have access to the most current information.

Newly Diagnosed Health Conditions

It is important that you tell the dental office staff to update your records if you are diagnosed with a new medical condition. Your dentist should know if you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, or autoimmune conditions.

These medical conditions can raise your risk for infections after dental procedures, an increased risk for bleeding during routine cleanings and tooth extractions, and poor wound healing after oral surgery. In addition, your dentist will need to know if you have developed any new allergies to antibiotics or pain medications, as well as any new oral fungal infections, chronic sinus conditions, renal problems, and breathing disorders. 

Recent Changes In Prescriptions

The dental staff also needs to know if you have had any recent prescription changes. This includes new medications and the discontinuation of old mediations. New medications such as anticoagulants can affect your blood platelets and make you more susceptible to bleeding problems during dental examinations and procedures.

Also, if you take antibiotics on a regular basis to treat cystic acne or other conditions, you may be at a higher risk for oral fungal infections such as candidiasis. When your dentist knows that you are taking antibiotics, they may recommend that you take an over-the-counter probiotic or eat yogurt to help manage the fungal infection.

Other medications that your dentist needs to know about are those used to treat high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia. These medications can interact with certain dental anesthetics and medications used in sedation dentistry. Also, if your physician has prescribed oral corticosteroids, you may develop a dry mouth. Your dentist will need to monitor you closely for complications relating to dry mouth including cavities, gum infections, and gingivitis.

If your physician has recently diagnosed you with a new medical condition or if your medications have changed, be sure to update your dental records. Doing so will give your dentist and hygienist the information they need to provide you with the best possible care.