The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of periodontitis.
Family history
- Are there frequent dental diseases or diseases of the periodontium in your family?
Social history
- What is your profession?
- Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation?
Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).
- Have you noticed any sweetish bad breath?
- Do you have bleeding gums? When brushing your teeth?
- Do you have pain when brushing your teeth?
- Have you noticed loose teeth?
- Have you noticed any receding gums?
Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.
- Do you perform adequate oral/dental hygiene?
- Are you eating a balanced diet?
- Are you taking in enough energy?
- Are you making sure your protein (protein) intake is adequate?
- Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
- Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?
Self history incl. medication history.
- Pre-existing conditions (diabetes mellitus; infectious diseases; increased risk of endocarditis; osteoporosis or osteopenia (reduction in bone density; precursor to osteoporosis); cardiovascular disease/cardiovascular disease; hypertension/high blood pressure; trauma/injury).
- Surgeries (in the head area)
- Allergies
- Pregnancies
- Environmental history (heavy metal poisoning: including lead).
- Dental history (orthodontic treatments; periodontal treatments).
Medication history
- Ciclosporin (Cyclosporin A)
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Hydantoin derivatives such as dantrolene
- Nifedipine
