What to Tell Your Dentist at Your Health Check
A dental health check is not a one-way process. While your dentist examines and assesses, the information you provide is equally important in building a complete picture of your oral health and general wellbeing. Many patients are unsure what is relevant to mention at a dental health check, and as a result, useful information sometimes goes unshared. This article outlines the key things your dentist genuinely needs to know — some of which might surprise you.
Open, honest communication with your dental team means better, safer care. Dentists are not there to judge your habits or lecture you about what you already know. Their goal is to understand your individual situation so they can provide the most appropriate assessment and advice. The more context you can give them, the more effective your appointment will be.
Your Medical History and Any Recent Changes
Your medical history has a direct bearing on your dental care. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and blood clotting problems all have implications for dental treatment. Your dentist needs to know about any diagnosed medical conditions, even if they seem entirely unrelated to your teeth. For example, a patient with a prosthetic heart valve may need antibiotic cover before certain dental procedures. A patient with osteoporosis who takes bisphosphonate medication requires special consideration before any tooth extraction.
If your medical history has changed since your last visit — a new diagnosis, a hospital admission, a surgical procedure — please mention it. Many patients assume that what happens to them medically is separate from their dental care, but the two are closely interconnected.
All Current Medications and Supplements
Bring a complete and up-to-date list of all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and contraceptives. This information is vital for several reasons. Some medications thin the blood and increase the risk of post-treatment bleeding. Others cause dry mouth, which significantly raises the risk of tooth decay. Some interact with local anaesthetics. Certain medications can cause gum overgrowth or affect bone healing.
Herbal supplements are often overlooked, but some — such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, and fish oil — have blood-thinning properties that are relevant to dental procedures. Always include these when listing your medications.
Any Symptoms You Have Noticed
Even if a symptom does not seem urgent, mention it at your check-up. Common symptoms worth reporting include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or pressure
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or moving teeth
- Sores, ulcers, patches, or lumps in the mouth that have been present for more than two weeks
- Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening the mouth fully
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Headaches, particularly in the morning, which can indicate teeth grinding
Some of these symptoms may have an obvious cause; others may point to something that warrants closer investigation. Do not assume that because a symptom is mild or intermittent it is not worth mentioning. Your dentist will be able to put it in context.
Your Dental Anxiety Level
Dental anxiety is extremely common. Studies suggest that a significant proportion of the UK population experiences some degree of dental fear, and many avoid dental care entirely as a result. If you feel anxious about dental visits — whether mildly apprehensive or genuinely phobic — please tell your dentist or even the receptionist when you book.
Knowing that a patient is anxious allows the dental team to adjust their approach: taking more time, explaining each step before proceeding, using a pre-agreed signal that means “please stop”, or discussing sedation options for more complex procedures. Dental anxiety is taken seriously and is treated with compassion, not dismissiveness. You should never feel embarrassed to raise it.
Any Changes to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
If you have started using a new type of toothbrush, switched toothpastes, or changed your interdental cleaning habits, mention it. Changes in oral hygiene practice can sometimes cause unintended effects — for example, a switch to a hard-bristled brush may be contributing to recession, or a new mouthwash may be causing staining. Equally, if you have been struggling to maintain your home care routine due to illness, busy schedules, or physical limitations, being honest about this helps your dentist tailor their advice to your actual situation rather than an assumed ideal.
Your Diet and Lifestyle Habits
Diet has a profound effect on oral health. A high intake of sugar, acidic drinks (including fizzy drinks, fruit juices, and sparkling water), or very frequent snacking between meals increases the risk of decay and erosion significantly. Your dentist may ask about your diet, particularly if they observe changes in your teeth that suggest dietary factors are at play.
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease and oral cancer, and it also masks the signs of gum disease by reducing bleeding — meaning disease may be more advanced than it appears. If you smoke, your dentist needs to know, and they can provide support and resources if you are considering stopping. Alcohol consumption is relevant both as a risk factor for oral cancer and because heavy consumption can affect the metabolism of certain medications.
| Category | What to Mention | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medical history | Diagnoses, recent hospital visits, surgeries | Affects treatment safety and planning |
| Medications | All prescription, OTC, supplements, herbal | Drug interactions, bleeding risk, dry mouth |
| Symptoms | Pain, sensitivity, bleeding gums, ulcers | May indicate conditions needing treatment |
| Anxiety | Level of dental fear or past trauma | Allows team to adjust approach |
| Lifestyle | Smoking, alcohol use, diet habits | Risk factor for disease and cancer |
| Oral hygiene changes | New products, difficulties with routine | Helps identify cause of oral changes |
Concerns About Appearance
If there is something about the appearance of your teeth or smile that bothers you — discolouration, chips, gaps, crowding, or anything else — your check-up is an excellent time to raise it. Your dentist can discuss what options are available, whether those are simple measures such as professional cleaning and polishing, or more involved treatments such as whitening, bonding, or orthodontics. You do not need to wait for a problem to be clinically significant before raising it — if it is affecting your confidence, it is worth discussing.
If You Have Been Avoiding Dental Care
If significant time has passed since your last dental visit — whether due to anxiety, cost, pandemic disruption, or other reasons — please do not let embarrassment prevent you from coming in. Dentists are not here to make you feel judged for having been away. They understand that life is complicated and that barriers to dental care are real. Returning to regular check-ups is always the right decision, regardless of how long it has been.
According to the NHS Inform Scotland guidance on dental check-ups, your dentist will ask you about your general health and any changes that have occurred since your last visit — so being prepared to share this information helps make your appointment as productive as possible.
Our team at Gorgie Road Dental Practice is here to listen, support, and provide exceptional care tailored to your individual needs. If it has been a while, or if there is something on your mind about your dental health, give us a call on 0131 337 3936 — we would love to hear from you and get you back on track.