You may think you already have an idea of what proper dental hygiene looks like. You know to brush and floss your teeth twice every day, after all. You’ve heard it’s the best preventative method to avoid potential problems. If you’re not seeing your dentist every 6 months for a checkup, though, you might miss early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Keep reading to learn 4 questions to ask your dentist during your next visit!
Question #1: How Is My Overall Oral Health?
The first thing your dentist will do is examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure everything is as it should be. They’ll be able to let you know whether there are signs of anything worrisome, and what to do about it. If your gums bleed slightly during your exam, for example, they’ll encourage you to floss more frequently at home to prevent gingivitis. You should know exactly what condition your mouth is in when you leave.
Question #2: How Can I Improve My At-Home Routine?
Even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, you can ask your dentist about other ways to improve your pearly whites. They might suggest:
- Using products with fluoride. This strengthens your enamel.
- Limiting consumption of sugary foods and drinks. It attracts unhealthy bacteria that can cause cavities or worse!
- Eating a balanced diet. This gives your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to fight off infection.
- Avoid tobacco. It can not only yellow your teeth but also impact your blood flow and oxygen levels which can impact your gums, too.
Question #3: What Is Causing This Sensation?
If you are experiencing any tooth sensitivity or pain, it’s important to let your dentist know. If they didn’t already, they may need to take an x-ray to ensure there’s nothing going on under the surface that they can’t see. Dental issues tend to only worsen as they progress; they don’t take care of themselves. Whatever the cause behind the sensation, you’ll need your dentist’s help to treat it!
Question #4: Should I Use Mouthwash Regularly?
There are different types of mouthwash for different purposes, and they contain ingredients that may or may not be good for your teeth. It’s best to ask your dentist about it so they can provide information based on your specific circumstances. You wouldn’t want to rinse with something that has abrasive ingredients that can damage any dental work or restorations, for example.
If you have any other concerns, don’t be afraid to bring them up. Your dentist wants to take the time to understand your current needs and goals so that they can formulate the right treatment plan to help you. You can vastly improve your oral health by fully understanding what’s going on with your teeth, and why!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Whitmore has over 35 years of experience providing a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages. He achieved his dental doctorate at Baylor School of Dentistry and keeps up with continuing education so his clinical skills stay sharp. We offer sedation dentistry so that nerves don’t keep you from healthy oral hygiene. If you’d like to make an appointment, you are welcome to request one on our website or by calling (817) 468-1212.