5 Things You Should Tell Your Dentist Before Having Dental Work

You arrive at the dentist for your first appointment. And right away the staff asks you to fill out medical forms with a ton of personal information. It can seem a little invasive — particularly for a healthcare provider who is only looking at such a small area of the body. 

But the attention to detail is necessary to get a better idea of your overall health. In fact, dentists can gather important clues just by looking in your mouth. 

It’s key to be completely honest when answering the detailed and sometimes odd questions your dentist asks you. This helps make sure you have the best experience possible at any dental appointment. And don't worry about your information being shared with anyone. Dentists are required to maintain patient confidentiality, too.

So, if you’re not sure what you should be sharing with your dentist, here are five of the most important things you should make sure your dentist knows about you.

1. History of vaping, smoking, or diet changes

You may be wondering if your dentist can tell if you’re vaping or smoking. The answer is “yes.” Your dentist can see signs in your mouth that you’ve been smoking or vaping without you telling them. These signs include:

• Dry mouth

• Gum disease

• Tooth discoloration

• Bacterial changes

Vapes or e-cigarettes that use flavored aerosols can make it four times as likely for bacteria to stick to your teeth. This increases your risk for tooth decay.

A change in your diet can also affect your oral health. A large intake of sugary foods or acidic drinks, like coffee or soda, can also weaken your teeth and put you at risk for dental problems.

Whether it's smoking, vaping, or a slight change in your everyday food intake, it’s important to let your dentist know about any change in your lifestyle. This will help them treat you properly. 

2. The medications you’re taking and any you’re allergic to

Certain medications can have adverse effects on your oral health and affect the outcome of your treatment. That’s why it’s crucial to note all medications and dosages when filling out your medical forms.

For example, blood thinners (like warfarin) can increase bleeding during and after a dental procedure. Certain medications for high blood pressure can lead to dry mouth (like propranolol) and gum swelling (like amlodipine). And some medications can interact with anesthesia or antibiotics your dentist may prescribe.

Your dentist also needs to know if you have any medication allergies. It's especially important to mention an allergy to medications like:

• Antibiotics (like penicillin)

• Anesthesia (like lidocaine)

• Epinephrine  

3. Any acute or chronic health conditions (current and past)

Your dentist should know about any new or long-standing health conditions. Several health conditions can affect dental health, including:

• Diabetes: Diabetes can make you more prone to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

• Heart disease and artificial heart valves: You may need to take antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent infections.

• Autoimmune disorders: You may have frequent oral lesions and need more care during dental treatments. Examples of autoimmune disorders include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy: These treatments can cause dry mouth, mouth sores, and infections. You may also be at a higher risk for tooth decay.

• Pregnancy: It’s important to let your dentist know if you’re pregnant. Major dental procedures, if necessary, should wait until your second trimester. Dentists may also use different medications if they know you are pregnant. 

4. Any dental pain or discomfort you currently have or have had in the past

You may only visit your dentist twice a year, so it’s easy to forget if you have any random pain or discomfort. But, neglecting to report these issues could delay proper treatment. Let your dentist know about any new symptoms since your last visit, like:

• Pain

• Unusual sensitivities

• Odor

• Changes in your mouth

Don’t ignore any new dental symptoms. Your oral health can be a warning sign for more serious conditions or health-related issues. 

5. Fear of the dentist (dental anxiety)

If you have dental anxiety, let your dentist know before you get treatment. Fear of the dentist is a very common issue that can make dental visits stressful. 

Telling your dentist about your anxiety lets them tailor their approach. They can use measures to help ease your fear and make you comfortable. This could include techniques, such as:

• Trying relaxation or meditation exercises before your appointment

• Taking a light sedative (like diazepam or alprazolam) before your appointment

• Using nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) during treatment

• Taking breaks during the procedure

By sharing your concerns and working together with your dentist, you can make your dental visit a much more positive and less daunting experience.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping foot in the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts