For some, a dentist’s appointment is an unpleasant visit that should get done with as soon as possible. We all know the importance of getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, but you should also try to view the dentist’s appointment as a time to maximize your dental health.
Invest some energy becoming more acquainted with your dentist and oral hygienist, as they can offer you a lot of advice that will keep your teeth and mouth fit as a fiddle for a considerable length of time to come. The following are a few questions that you must ask your dentist.
Discuss your overall oral health
The primary question you ought to get some information about is the general health of your mouth. Your dentist must inform you if anything is seriously wrong, but it may be that you can do extra to improve your mouth health. Most people underestimate the impact that foods can have on their dental health, and a good dentist will give you the advice you need to address any potential issues that can arise.
Questions about any dental procedures required
If your dentist or oral hygienist suggests a few procedures, attempt to get more information about them. Which of the procedures are extremely vital, which are discretionary and which are simply corrective. Additionally, talk about which of the procedures are extremely necessary and which ones are less so. This gives you a good idea of your priorities and what you must spend on first. Your dentist may strongly recommend vanity treatments, but these may not be necessary for your general mouth health.
Grinding teeth
Many people grind their teeth and may not even know it. A good dentist will pick up on this and inform you, but if you notice symptoms of teeth-grinding such as headaches in the morning or clicking and popping of your jawline, mention it during your dentist appointment. Your dentist will be able to verify whether you do grind your teeth or not and recommend various treatments depending on the severity of the condition, such as mouth guards in mild cases to Botox in severe ones.
Learn about oral cancer and its possibilities
Nobody considers oral cancer, and it is very difficult to detect in the early stages, even for experienced dentists. Talk to your dentist during your appointment to find out about ways that you can be screened for oral cancer, even if you don’t think you have it. Early detection is key to successful treatment and many dentists recommend screens at least once a year to detect any abnormal cells in your mouth, throat or tongue. This allows for a rapid response and early detection that may be the difference between successful or unsuccessful treatment.
Conclusion
Prevention is much better than cure, and this is also true for your oral health. Talk to your dentist about any concerns that you have during your dentist appointment and make sure that you have a checklist of questions that you feel you need to ask on hand. Good communication shows that you have a vested interest in your health, and any good dentist will respond positively to it, ensuring that you have great mouth health for years to come.
