Toothache And Gum Problems: Preparing For Your Appointment

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Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Do you have tooth pain?
  • When did the pain start?
  • Has the pain been constant or does it come and go?
  • Does anything make the pain better or worse?
  • Does the pain awaken you from sleep or interfere with any other activities?
• Do your gums bleed?
  • When did the bleeding start?
  • What makes your gums bleed?
• How often do you brush and floss your teeth?
• When was your last dental examination? Do you visit a dentist regularly?
• Have you had a dental or gum problem in the past?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What nonprescription medicines have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines do you take?
• Do you have any health risks?

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer