Partner with Your Dentist for a Healthier Mouth

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the best oral health care is to select a dentist you’re comfortable with.¹

When choosing a dentist, you’ll first want to make sure his or her office has the following:

• A convenient appointment schedule¹

• A location close to work or home¹

• A clean and neat atmosphere¹

• Special arrangements for emergency care¹

In addition, you want to look for a dentist who’s personable and patient. The dentist should be timely, answer all your questions, and be comforting if you’re anxious.² If you have a specific condition, ask whether the dentist has had training and experience treating it.¹

At your first visit, your dentist will ask for a thorough medical history so that he or she can make the best treatment choices for you. Let the dentist know if you smoke or are pregnant. Many conditions can affect your oral health, particularly periodontal (gum) disease. They can also affect how medications the dentist may prescribe for you work.⁶ Here are some of the conditions you should tell your dentist about:

• Diabetes⁶

• Asthma⁶

• Heart condition or recent heart surgery⁶

• Epilepsy⁶

• Knee, joint, or hip replacement surgery⁶

Also let your dentist know if you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medications as well as vitamins or herbal supplements or if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicines.^3,4

Your dentist can help you prevent oral health problems by explaining brushing and flossing techniques^1,7 and recommending oral care products.¹ If you have a problem that needs treatment, your dentist should explain the risks and benefits of treatment, whether it needs immediate attention, and the consequences of delaying treatment.¹ If you have questions or don’t understand what is being recommended, be sure to ask for more information.¹ It can help to jot down your questions and the answers.⁸ If you’re anxious or tense about being treated, let the dentist know so that he or she can adapt the treatment to fit your needs.⁵

Sometimes dental treatment involves drugs or sedation to reduce or relieve discomfort and/or anxiety. These include non-narcotic medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to relieve pain after treatment; local anesthesia (such as topical or injectable treatment that numbs a specific area of the mouth); or sedatives to help you relax.³ If you receive medication, ask about any side effects and whether there are foods or other medications you should not take.⁴

You and your dentist are partners in your care. Be sure to ask questions, take notes, and tell the dentist if you don’t understand a treatment.¹ By working with together, your dental care will be as safe and comfortable as possible.³

¹ “Dental Records (You and Your Dentist: Frequently Asked Questions.)” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2643.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.

² “How to Choose a Dentist.” Academy of General Dentistry. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=297&Topic=C&ArtID=3809 Accessed 2010.

³ “Oral Health Topics: Anesthesia: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2516.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Why Does My Dentist Prescribe Medication?” Academy of General Dentistry, March 30, 2007. www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1262 Accessed 2010.

⁵ “Dental Anxiety: Overview.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2585.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.

⁶ “Why Do I Need to Share My Medical History with My Dentist?” Academy of General Dentistry, January 2007. www.agd.org/about/newsmedia/pressreleases/Default.asp?PubID=45&IssID=417&ArtID=1650 Accessed 2010.

⁷ “For the Dental Patient: Basic Oral Care.” Journal of the American Dental Association. July 2000, vol. 131, pp. 1095.

⁸ “Making the Most of Your Dental Visit.”Academy of General Dentistry, February 2007. www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=m&iid=344&aid=1221 Accessed 2010.