Be prepared: Know the outcome you are looking for and find out what is possible for the treatment you desire. Bring a panoramic x-ray /OPG if you have one. Write your questions down and bring them on the day of your appointment. Most of us think we will remember all we want to ask and after we have left the appointment, we suddenly remember something we forgot to ask.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist questions about their qualifications, experience, and if you have any special needs, that is the time to address them.

Observe: Look and listen to see how the staff interact, this can help you recognise the level of professionalism and comfort they provide.

Be honest: Provide accurate information about your dental health, including any allergies you have, medications you take and any past treatments you have had. Bring a list of medication and their uses if need be.

Note office hours & location: Make sure the clinic is open during hours that work for you and that it is conveniently located for you.

Make your dental appointments a regular occurrence. Schedule a dental check-up / dental examination today.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, painkillers, diuretics and even radiation therapy for cancer can cause the salivary glands to reduce saliva production in the mouth. Saliva controls the number of bacteria and fungi in the mouth and help wash away any remaining particles of food after eating or drinking.

Medications can have various negative effects on the oral cavity. Some common effects include dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues, as well as changes in taste and an increase in plaque and tartar build-up. Certain medications can also cause inflammation or discoloration of the gums and tongue. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider or dentist about any potential oral side effects of any medications you are taking. They may be able to recommend ways to mitigate these effects or suggest alternative medications.

Commonly used medications & the negative effects on the oral cavity:

Antihistamines – which are commonly used to treat allergies, can cause dry mouth, which can then lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and infection.

Decongestants, which are used to relieve nasal congestion, can also cause dry mouth and a change in taste.

Antidepressants – such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause dry mouth and changes in taste, as well as an increased risk of oral infections.

Painkillers, such as opioids, can also cause dry mouth and may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Diuretics – which are used to remove excess fluid from the body, can cause dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay.

Radiation therapy for cancer – can also affect the oral cavity, causing dry mouth, changes in taste, and an increased risk of tooth decay and infection. It is important for individuals undergoing radiation therapy to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups.

As you can see, many medications can have a significant impact on oral health. It is important to inform your dentist or dental hygienist of any medications you are taking when you have a dental examination / dental check-up, as they can help monitor any potential oral side effects and make recommendations for maintaining your oral health.

When you visit a dentist for the first time for an examination (check-up) or if you have an appointment for a specific problem, the dentist will ask you various questions about your symptoms. Some include:

• What is the problem?
• How long have you had the symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been constant or sporadic?
• How often do you brush your teeth?
• Do you brush before breakfast or after?
• Do you use dental floss? How often?
• How often do you visit a dentist?
• What if any medical conditions do you have?
• Has your health changed over the last year?
• What medications do you take? Take a list with dosages.

Make notes if you have sporadic symptoms as sometimes we think we will remember how we felt, but over time we forget. It is important for the dentist to know under which circumstances you have pain.

If you have pain on the day of your appointment try not to take a pain reliever too close to your appointment as it can mask your symptoms. Sometimes the pain is so unbearable though that you need to take something. If that is the case by all means do so. With pain on that level the dentist will diagnose the problem anyway.

Remember a visit to the dentist is not something to fear. The dentist and hygienist are there to help and make your visit as pleasant as possible.

Take control of your oral health by scheduling regular appointments for a check-up and clean.

What You Can Do To Prepare

Sometimes it seems that by the time you arrive at your dental appointment the problem has disappeared and then you have forgotten the symptoms you had. Most problems in dentistry do not go away permanently, the symptoms may stop for a while, but they usually come back. So it is beneficial to keep that appointment and not cancel it. To help you get ready for a dental appointment, make a list of:

• Any symptoms you’re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
• Important personal information, such as any medical conditions
• Medications you take, including vitamins or other supplements
• Questions to ask your dentist to take full advantage of your time together

Some questions to ask your dentist depending on your issue may include:

• Do you think, for example, gingivitis, caries or an abscess is causing my symptoms?
• Do I need x-rays?
• Is there an alternative to the approach you’re recommending?
• What can I do at home to keep my gums and teeth healthy?
• Do you recommend a particular toothbrush or toothpaste?
• Do you recommend using mouthwash?
• Can I gargle with salt water or should I use a stronger antibacterial mouthwash?
• Are there any restrictions that you would suggest?

Don’t hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

Remember to make a note of your symptoms. Note when your symptoms come and go and how long they last. You might be stressed before a dental appointment and if you are in pain as well you might not remember all the things you want to ask. Write them down and take them with you to your appointment.