4 Life Changes You Should Share With Your Dentist
by Christy Long
When you visit your dentist for a checkup, they might ask you if anything has changed since your last visit. You probably think about your teeth and your oral health, and if nothing has changed with them, you answer "no." But what you might not realize is that there are other aspects of your health and lifestyle that you should be sharing with your dentist — because they impact your teeth more than you might think. Here are four life chances you should share with your dentist.
1. You're going through menopause.
If you are a woman and you think you might be approaching menopause, you should share this fact with your dentist. Menopause affects your hormone levels, and changes in hormone levels can affect the gums and teeth. Women are increasingly prone to gum disease after menopause, so your dentist may want to keep a closer eye on your gums, and they might share some tips to help you take better care of your gums.
2. You're pregnant.
Pregnancy also affects your hormone levels, and as such, can lead to a host of oral health changes, including bad breath, gum disease, and benign tumors on the gums. You can definitely still have your teeth cleaned while pregnant, and if you need any cavities filled or other minor work done, your dentist will probably do it before you give birth. However, it is important that your dentist knows you are pregnant so that they do not prescribe any medications that could be dangerous to your baby before or after your procedure.
3. You started a new medication.
If a different medical practitioner started you on any medication, prescription or otherwise, make sure you mention this to your dentist. Some drugs, like antidepressants and antiseizure medications, can cause dry mouth as a side effect, and dry mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Other medications can cause tooth sensitivity, so your dentist may need to be more careful when they probe your teeth or otherwise examine them.
4. You are following a specialized diet.
If you make any sort of significant dietary change, such as adopting a vegan diet or eliminating gluten, it is worth mentioning to your dentist. Certain diets can be deficient in various nutrients, so your dentist may recommend that you take certain supplements or make sure to eat certain foods so that you get the nutrients your teeth need to stay healthy.
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About Me
I was very unhappy with the way that my front teeth looked. They were crooked and stained with an ugly yellow tint. I asked my dentist if there was anything that could be done to improve them. After discussing the options with my dentist, I decided to have crowns put on my front teeth. The procedure was painless and I wish that I had done it sooner. My name is Constance Graham and I am writing this blog to inform others about cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, speak to your dentist about improving your smile. There are various cosmetic procedures that you can have done such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and dental implants. I hope you use the information in this blog to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you.