Why your dentist asks about your whole health history

Do You Know? For patients.

The health questionnaire at a dental visit is not paperwork for its own sake. Many conditions and medicines change how a mouth heals, bleeds or responds to treatment.

What it changes

• Blood thinners: anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines affect bleeding after extractions and gum treatment. Most people do not need to stop them, but the plan is adjusted.

• Bone medicines: some treatments for osteoporosis and cancer (antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs) carry a risk of jaw bone problems after extractions or surgery, so timing and technique matter.

• Diabetes: gum disease and blood sugar affect each other, and healing is slower when diabetes is poorly controlled.

• Heart conditions, pregnancy, allergies and recent hospital stays all shape what is safe and when.

What to bring

• A current list of your medicines, including injections and supplements.

• Any recent blood test results, such as HbA1c if you have diabetes.

• Tell us about changes since your last visit.

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This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination.

References

1. Ruggiero SL, et al. AAOMS position paper on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws, 2022 update. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022;80(5):920-943. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2022.02.008

2. Toole J, et al. Managing patients at risk of medication related complications requiring dental extractions in primary care. Prim Dent J. 2020;9(3):54-58. doi:10.1177/2050168420943977

3. Sanz M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: consensus report of the IDF and EFP. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(2):138-149. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12808