Importance of Medication History During Dental Visit

Younger adults are taking medications that affect their oral health. Medication history needs to be acknowledged by dentists for preventive oral care.

Many medications have negative effect on our oral health, so make sure that recent medical history is being recorded at the dental office.

A new study published in Technology and Health Care highlights the importance of dental providers reviewing medication histories regardless of age as many younger adult dental patients are taking medications.

Dry Mouth - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Dry mouth may be caused by dehydration and many other health conditions. Learn how to treat dry mouth and maintain oral health.

‘Dentists should pay attention to medication history in younger adults.’

The study from Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Dentistry looked at dental records from 11,220 dental patients over the age of 18.

The results showed that 53 percent of all patients reported taking at least one medication; 12 percent of those age 18-24 were taking at least one medication; and 20 percent of those age 25-34 were taking at least one medication.

"Often dentists will assume individuals this age aren't on medications, but these results underscore the importance of paying attention to medical histories of all patients, because medications can play a significant role in oral health”. said senior author Thankam Thyvalikakath, DMD, PhD, director of the Regenstrief and IU School of Dentistry Dental Informatics Program.

World Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting Healthy Smiles Every Day
World Oral Cancer Awareness Month is being observed every year in the month of April to create awareness about oral cancer across the globe to ensure ‘Optimal Oral Health for All by 2020.’

Most of younger adults taking antidepressants have dry mouth which increases the risk for tooth decay and tooth loss. Younger adults on opioids carry the risk of addiction.

The study also showed that older patients were more likely to be taking medications to treat chronic conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes and white patients across all age were more likely to be on a medication.

World Oral Health Day: Let�s Unite for Oral Health
World Oral Health Day is celebrated on 20th March every year. It raises global awareness about the importance of oral health and dental hygiene. It aims to reduce the burden of oral diseases across the world.

Developing an intervention to alert dental care providers about drugs and medical history gives a complete picture of a person's health for better care and prevention.

Poor Oral Health can Affect Physical and Mental Well-being
Poor oral health is linked to decreased quality of life, depression, hypertension, and cognitive decline, finds a new study.

Source-Medindia