Conditions and Behaviors
Patients with this condition may lose touch with reality and experience hallucinations or paranoia, necessitating very careful communication
What is schizophrenia?
This extremely common side effect of CNS medications increases a patient's risk for both cavities and gum disease
What is dry mouth (xerostomia)?
To manage dry mouth, hygienists should recommend sugar-free gum and advise patients to avoid these two types of liquids
What are alcohol mouth rinses and caffeine?
This benzodiazepine, often known by the brand name Xanax, is used for preoperative anxiety and may cause side effects like drowsiness and impaired coordination.
What is Alprazolam?
This is the reason you must ask why a patient is taking an antidepressant, rather than assuming it is for depression.
What is because they can be used for other health conditions?
This mental health condition often leads to low motivation, which can cause patients to neglect their daily oral hygiene
What is Depression?
These effects include tremors and muscle stiffness, which can affect the tongue, lips, and jaw
What are extrapyramidal effects?
This is the recommended way to sit a patient up to prevent dizziness or fainting
What is slowly?
This agent is used as a skeletal muscle relaxant and as an oral or IV sedative for dental anxiety
What is Diazepam (Valium)?
This "softer" question can be used to ask about a patient's condition to understand how it might affect their dental care.
What is: “Would you mind sharing what health condition that medication is used for...”?
Patients with this disorder may switch between high-energy mania and depression, which can affect the consistency of their dental behavior
What is Bipolar Disorder?
This specific group of antidepressants has stronger anticholinergic effects, which directly leads to xerostomia
What are TCAs (Tricyclic antidepressants)?
If a patient is experiencing these, the dental professional should never force the patient's mouth open
What are muscle spasms?
This non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication is specifically used to treat insomnia
What is Zolpidem (Ambien)?
Asking “Do you ever feel dizzy when standing up?” is a way to screen for this drug-related concern.
What is orthostatic hypotension (or low blood pressure)?
This condition can make dental visits significantly more stressful and harder for the patient to manage
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
In addition to dry mouth, SSRIs are noted for causing these three specific oral changes
What are taste changes, glossitis, and bruxism?
While usually safe, this ingredient in local anesthetics should be limited to a 0.04 mg "cardiac dose" if blood pressure is a concern for patients on certain antidepressants
What is epinephrine?
Benzodiazepines work by attaching to receptors for this neurotransmitter, which helps calm the brain by slowing down activity.
What is GABA?
During the review, you should ask about changes in these three systemic areas: weight, heart issues, and this.
What is blood sugar?
Dental hygienists must be alert for these two serious psychological warning signs, particularly when a patient is starting new medication
What are signs of depression or suicidal thoughts?
This condition, characterized by a drop in blood pressure when standing, can cause a patient to feel dizzy or faint when sitting up from the dental chair
What is orthostatic hypotension?
These over-the-counter pain relievers should be avoided in patients taking Lithium because they can cause toxicity
What are NSAIDs?
These antidepressants are specifically mentioned as having serious interaction risks that require care when prescribing other medications.
What are MAOIs?
This specific question is used to ensure the patient is following their treatment plan correctly
What is “Are you taking your medications as prescribed?”