Medical and Dental History for Tooth Decay

Your dentist will ask you questions about your symptoms and other dental or medical problems. This will help him or her find the best treatment for you. Your dentist will ask:

• What are your symptoms? How long have you had a toothache? How severe is it? What makes it hurt worse or feel better?
• What dental problems or dental work have you had in the past?
• How often do you brush and floss?
• Do you have any diseases or medical conditions? If you have certain health problems, you may need special dental care. For example, people who have Reference diabetes Opens New Window may need special care to avoid tooth decay. And people who have Reference certain heart problems may need to take antibiotics before dental procedures to lower their risk of a heart infection.
• Are you allergic to any medicines? You may be Reference allergic to a medicine Opens New Window a dentist might prescribe or use during treatment.
• Are you taking any prescription or Reference over-the-counter Opens New Window medicines? A medicine your dentist may give you could react with your current medicines. Also, certain medicines, such as antidepressants, may cause dry mouth (Reference xerostomia Opens New Window). If your mouth is very dry, it can cause severe dental cavities to form quickly.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.