I Have a Chronic Medical Condition. Does My Dentist Need To Know?
Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin
Half of all Americans have at least one chronic illness and must live with the effects each day. Many Americans with chronic illnesses can manage their illness with help from medication and doctors. If you have a chronic medical condition, you need to think about letting our dentist know because there are some chronic illnesses that can lead to issues with your dental health. There are also dental issues that can make chronic conditions worse.
What Is a Chronic Medical Condition?
Most doctors classify a chronic medical condition as any illness that lasts longer than three months. These conditions need to be managed to ensure that you can continue to live, work, and participate in activities you enjoy. A lot of chronic illnesses can be managed very effectively with medication and lifestyle changes. For example, one in 12 Americans suffer from asthma. Some people experience asthma symptoms occasionally, and they can control it with a rescue inhaler. However, other people have severe asthma that requires daily medication, breathing treatments, and steroids. Other examples of chronic medical conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Why Does My Dentist Need to Know?
It is important that our dentist be aware of your chronic medical condition. The medication that you take may affect your dental health. Blood pressure, heart disease medications, medication for Parkinsons disease, and antidepressants can cause dry mouth, which means that you are not producing much saliva. Without saliva, you may have difficulty controlling bacteria that cause periodontal disease as well as cavities.
Depending on your chronic medical condition, dentists may have to change a dental procedure to accommodate the disease. Many heart patients have to take blood thinners to manage their heart conditions. Dentists have to take extra precautions during dental procedures for patients on blood thinners, so it is important they know ahead of time.
If you are not sure whether you need to talk to the dentist, we would love to help. Reach out to us today.
Dentist Richmond, VA | Riverwind Dental Discover Riverwind Dental in Richmond, VA! Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Riverwind Dental, 2821 N Parham Rd #102, Richmond, VA 23294, (804) 280-0853, riverwinddental.com, 11/20/2024, Related Terms: Cosmetic Dentist Richmond Va,
Half of all Americans have at least one chronic illness and must live with the effects each day. Many Americans with chronic illnesses can manage their illness with help from medication and doctors. If you have a chronic medical condition, you need to think about letting our dentist know because there are some chronic illnesses that can lead to issues with your dental health. There are also dental issues that can make chronic conditions worse.