What are the Importance of history Taking in oral health - Dental Healthcare

What are the Importance of history Taking in oral health - Dental Health. History taking is a collection of biodata of the patient or it is often referred to as vital information of the patient. This starts right from the registry ( card room)

What are the Importance of history Taking in Dental Healthcare

  What is History taking in Medicine?

History taking is a collection of biodata of the patient or it is often referred to as vital information of the patient.

  This starts right from the registry ( card room) which includes but not limited to:

1. Name - For easy identification.
2. Age - Timing of treatment related with age is very important.
3. Sex - Since treatments are started earlier in females than in males for example . In orthodontics use of functional appliances.
4. Address - To locate the patient easily, if there is the need.
5. Marital status.

Patients now proceeds into surgery where the following information is collected.

  1. Presenting Complaint ( PC)

      What is actually wrong with the patient         is asked

      This should be put down in patients own words with the duration.

For example:

1.    I have toothache X 1/12
2.    My gum is paining me X 5/7
3.    My gum is swollen X 3/7

 2.    History of presenting complaint ( HPC )

What sort of pain is the patient experiencing I.e the nature of the pain

1. Dull, Throbbing, continous or intermittent.
2. Distribution.
3. Timing of symptoms.
4. Exacerbation or relieving factors.
5. Symptoms getting better or worse?
6. Any previous experience?
7. Any form of treatment concerning the symptom?

3. Past Dental history

1. Is the patient a regular dental clinic attender?
2. Any previous dental treatment? Eventful or not?
3. Any history of trauma?
4. Oral hygiene and diet.

Read also: Traumatic dental injuries
       
               The Best way to utilize Orthodontics Appliances

4. Past Medical History ( PMH )

  This is used to identify maybe the patient has any underlying medical problems that might necessitate preventive measures for example. Bleeding disorders, Cardiac problem, Asthma, Diabetic Mellitus, Hypertension, Allergy ( for example. Drugs, local anesthesia e.t.c).
   Also to know patient current drug treatment, if any.

5. Family/Social History ( F/SH ).

•   The hereditary or familial condition in the family.
•   Has anybody in the patients family ever suffered from what he is currently experiencing?
•   Single or married with or without Children.
•   Occupation.
•   Alcohol or tobacco consumption - the quantity per day.

 In the course of taking the history, the surgeon will have had a good opportunity to observe the general appearance attitude and behavior of the patient which may be very helpful.
  After history taken EXAMINATION is then done.
The basis of good clinical examination lies in the critical use by the surgeon of all his senses and in the accurate interpretation of what he sees or hears and to a lesser extent, smells.
   In a clinical examination of dental and periodontal tissues, the use of instruments such as dental probe, dental mirror, and college tweezers are essential.

  EXAMINATION is divided into two:

• Extra Oral examination
• Intra oral examination.

In the course of examination, you inspect, Palpate and percussion.
inspection - check for any facial asymmetry.

• Palpation - palpate the facial bone, Temporomandibular joint ( TMJ ) -
• palpable
• Tender
• Any clicking sound
• Also palpate the lymph nodes.

Intra oral examination ( IOE)

Check the following:

  1. Oral mucosa

  2. Cheek

  3. Lips - colour

  4. Consistency.

  5. Abscess with discharging sinus?

  6. Oral hygiene

  7. Calculus

  8. Teeth present

  9. Carious lesions

  10. Teeth tender to percussion

  11  Mobile teeth

  12. Periodontal condition

Last modified: 12 Jun, 2018