Ask Your Dentist the Right Questions
Having good and open communication with your dentist is very important. This allows you, as the patient, to get the most out of each visit while helping you feel confident about the care you are receiving and the steps you are taking at home to keep your oral hygiene in great shape. Asking your dentist questions is so important in taking charge of your own personal oral health. Below are four important questions to ask at your next visit to the dentist.
How is my current oral health? Do I have any problem areas?
Your dentist can tell you about any signs of cavities they might be seeing, or any other concerns that might not be causing you any pain or discomfort in your mouth. With this information, your dentist will recommend further steps or inform you of other precautions to take at home to hopefully prevent any future problems.
How often should I have a routine dental checkup/teeth cleaning?
For most people, it is recommended to visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and routine checkup. These routine visits can help prevent plaque from turning into tartar and catch any other problems early on before they worsen.
Some people need to visit the dentist more often than once every six months. Depending on your age, you may have to visit more or less frequently. If you have pre-existing conditions such as frequent cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you visit more often than every six months. If you have a high sugar intake or smoke, you might need to see the hygienist more often to maintain optimal oral health.
Your dentist will recommend a plan that is best for you.
What are some steps I can take at home to improve my oral hygiene routine?
Two of the basic steps for good oral hygiene are brushing and flossing. Your dentist may recommend that you change your diet by avoiding sugary foods or drinks to help prevent cavities. Your dentist may have additional techniques, tools, or precautions that you might take or do to improve your routine and help prevent any problems, so it is important to ask and make a plan.
Do I have any signs of gum disease or other oral conditions that I should be aware of?
It is important to discuss this at your cleaning because spotting these issues as early as possible can make a huge difference in how they are treated. There are even a few common symptoms that you can watch for at home that may indicate a problem.
- Bad breath: Everyone’s mouth is full of bacteria, and bacteria can smell, especially plaque. Because of this, the bacteria in a cavity can be a cause of bad breath.
- Swelling or bleeding: If your gums bleed or swell when you floss or brush, that can be a sign of another underlying issue.
- Loose teeth: In adults, a loose tooth is a sign of an underlying issue that needs immediate attention. If ignored, a loose tooth can lead to irreversible tooth loss, the spread of infections, bite issues, bone damage, etc.
- Tooth sensitivity: If you notice frequent sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or even cold air, this could be a symptom with a range of causes, and some need professional attention. It is important to catch these problems before they grow into bigger concerns.
Asking your dentist questions will always lead to positive dental habits at home and allow you the best chance of long-term tooth health. Never hesitate to call the office with any further questions. We are happy to answer them whenever it is best for you.
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