5 Uncommon Things You NEED to Share With Your Dentist

Dental care matters. As much as we don’t like visiting a dentist for regular check-ups, our teeth’s health is critical to our overall well-being. In other words, holding the visitation off until you can’t bear the pain anymore isn’t exactly your best move. But we’re sure you know that already.

Despite what common sense dictates, we oftentimes hide details from our dentists. The reasons are numerous, but the most obvious one is because we’re afraid. We’re afraid that whatever we share could be used against us, so to speak.

We’re afraid that every additional detail is going to prolong the examination or the treatment and, hence, our suffering.

But here’s the truth – lying or hiding things from your dentist is just like lying or hiding things from any other doctor – it’s only going to further the problem.

In other words, talk to the professional. He’s there to help. Trust us – he doesn’t enjoy causing pain any more than you enjoy bearing it. If your dentist could go through the procedure without you feeling a thing – he will.

With this said, we’ve prepared a quick list of a few things that you absolutely must share. Let’s have a look.

Some of these will surely surprise you.

1.    Pain in your Arms and Legs

It’s quite alright to feel pain in your arms and legs when you’ve worked excessively. This is normal. However, if the pain remains and doesn’t go away despite the fact that you’ve taken an extensive rest, there’s something to be worried.

Lots of people attribute pain in areas such as our legs and arms to aging. However, you should be aware that it might be caused by diabetic neuropathy. This is something that could interfere with the medical plan instituted by your dentist.

You need to be absolutely honest with him and let him know if that’s an issue that bothers you in order to prevent any potential medication interference.

2.    Fatigue

What does fatigue have to do with teeth? Seemingly – nothing. However, fatigue is commonly caused by a condition known as sleep apnea. This is something that your dentist can examine. Kindly let him know if you’ve had hard times falling asleep and he might help you through this issue.

3.    Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, your dentist must know about it! It is critical for the health of your unborn child. A lot of the treatments require X-ray scans and they are counter-indicative for your pregnancy. Make sure to share information of the kind to avoid any unwanted and potentially devastating consequences.

TIP* Even if you are simply suspecting that you’re pregnant but haven’t confirmed it yet, don’t hide this information from your dentist.

4.    Headaches

For the most part, headaches are just a pain in the bum – they are harmless. Fatigue, excessive emotions and a lot of work are the usual suspects when it comes to the main causes.

However, you might also be suffering from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), cavity or an infected tooth. TMJ is a joint – it connects your temporal bones and your skull. Dental negligence might actually harm this joint – especially when the dentist is using sharper instruments. Common treatments where this could happen include root canals, dental fillings or dental scaling.

Consult your dentist at all costs. Tell him about your headache and the possibility of TMJ so that he can actively determine whether that’s the case or not and to take extra caution.

5.    Prior Medical Conditions

Needless to say, it is absolutely imperative to tell your dentist if you’ve had any previous medical conditions. Share the types of medication you’ve been using, your symptoms, your pains – everything! There are certain conditions which might require stronger medication while others might forbid interference and usage of additional substances.

With all of the above being said, we urge you to understand: your dentist is your friend. The only thing that he wants is for you not to have to visit him every week. The better job he does, the less pain you feel.

In order for him to do so, though, you need to be entirely open. Whatever it is that you think might relate – share it with him. If asked – don’t lie! Be honest! There’s nothing to gain from your dishonesty. If anything, it will only make matters worse.