Why You Want to Keep Your Dental Records Always Current

Posted on 4/15/2025 by Joseph Kabaklian DDS

A woman checking her dental records on her laptop with a pen and notepad besides her.

Have you ever visited a new doctor and been asked for your medical history? It's important for doctors to have a complete picture of your health so they can provide the best possible care. The same is true for your dental health. Keeping your dental records up-to-date is essential for receiving the best possible oral care.

What Are Dental Records?

Your dental records are a collection of information about your oral health. This information includes:

•	Past dental treatments: This includes fillings, crowns, extractions, and any other procedures you've had done.
•	X-rays and other diagnostic images: These images help your dentist assess your oral health and identify any potential problems.
•	Medical history: This information is important for your dentist to know in case it affects your dental care.
•	Medications you're taking: Some medications can affect your oral health, so it's important for your dentist to be aware of them.
•	Your oral hygiene habits: This includes how often you brush and floss, and whether you use any other oral hygiene products.

Why Are Dental Records Important?

Your dental records are important for several reasons:

•	They help your dentist provide you with the best possible care. By having a complete picture of your oral health, your dentist can tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs.
•	They can help prevent future problems. By identifying potential problems early, your dentist can take steps to prevent them from becoming serious.
•	They can save you money in the long run. By catching problems early, you can avoid more expensive treatments later on.
•	They allow for continuity of care. If you change dentists, your new dentist will be able to access your records and continue your care seamlessly.

How to Keep Your Dental Records Current

The best way to keep your dental records current is to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dentist will update your records with any new information. You should also inform your dentist of any changes in your medical history or medications.

If you've recently moved or changed dentists, be sure to request that your old dental records be transferred to your new dentist. You can also ask your old dentist for a copy of your records for your own reference.

The Importance of Prevention Dentistry

Keeping your dental records current is an important part of prevention dentistry. Prevention dentistry is all about preventing oral health problems from occurring in the first place. This is done through regular checkups and cleanings, as well as by practicing good oral hygiene at home.

Prevention dentistry is important for everyone, but it's especially important for children. Children are more susceptible to tooth decay than adults, so it's important to start them on a good oral hygiene routine early.

Conclusion

Keeping your dental records current is an important part of maintaining good oral health. By doing so, you'll be helping your dentist provide you with the best possible care and preventing future problems. So be sure to schedule regular checkups and cleanings, and keep your dentist informed of any changes in your medical history or medications.

Contact Us

Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry
20162 SW Birch St, Suite 200,
Newport Beach, CA 92660

949-991-2499

enamelnb@gmail.com

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About • Dentist Newport Beach, CA
Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry is a patient provider in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach, CA. Learn more here!
Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry, 20162 SW Birch St, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-991-2499, enamelnewportbeach.com, 6/18/2025, Key Phrases: dentist Newport Beach Ca,