Around 36% of Americans fail to attend their dentist for a routine yearly check-up. But the truth is we know that this can lead to problems down the road.
A trip to the dentist should be a comfortable visit to make. Knowing some of the right dental questions to ask can make all the difference. Then, you can receive the care and attention that you need to ensure your visits run as smoothly as possible.
Want to know what to ask a dentist? Read on to find out five important questions to bring with you to your next appointment.
1. Ask a Dentist: What Dental Care Could I Benefit From?
There are many different treatments that dentists can provide. Some of them include:
- Dental crowns
- Implants
- Root canal procedure
- Teeth cleaning
- Teeth whitening
For them to be able to tell you which service you need, you must be honest about any issue you’re facing. They’ll then use this information to carry out assessments to determine exactly where the problem lies and the right steps to take to treat it.
When visiting your dentist, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands – at the end of the day, they’re experts in their field! Therefore, you should never be scared to ask this question, as it can ensure you’re teeth are cared for appropriately. Also, it can prevent further problems from occurring and the need for return visits later.
2. How Can I Take Better Care of My Teeth?
While standard advice is to clean your teeth twice per day, they might require more attention depending on your situation. When you talk with your dentist, ask them what you can do to ensure your dental hygiene’s up to scratch.
They might advise you that you need to:
- Brush your teeth more
- Start using an advanced toothbrush
- Floss daily
Remember this: There are no stupid questions for dentists. Let them know if you’ve done any research, found a new toothbrush that you’d like to try, or have queries relating to fluoride use.
With a five-star dental experience, you’ll be on the right track toward gaining the education that you need for your dental care at home. That way, you can walk with confidence and wear the smile that you deserve!
3. What’s the Current State of My Dental Health?
By asking how your current dental health status is, you’ll probe your dentist to find any problems. They should follow up with assessments to detect dental issues and so that the correct procedure’s given.
Including physical examinations, such as x-rays, they’ll as you questions relating to your dental health. Here, you’ll be able to inform them about any abnormalities, concerns, or even bone diseases that you face. If you suffer from osteoporosis, for example, advising your dentist will be important, as this can be a related issue to the problem.
If your teeth are healthy, you might not need to return to your dentist for a while. But the initial check-up and dentist questions are important so that this can be determined.
4. Is There Any Special Toothpaste I Need to Buy?
There’s no better person to ask about what type of toothpaste you should be using than your dentist. Remember, they’re the professionals when it comes to your teeth and their expertise will stand by you so that you can ensure you’re teeth function properly, and remain clean and well maintained.
One way you can successfully ensure this happens is to use the toothpaste that’s right for you! Your dentist can advise you about the toothpaste that will help you:
- Prevent tooth decay
- Remove harmful bacteria and plaque from building up
- Clean every single tooth
Depending on the health status of your teeth, their strength, and their sensitivity, you may be advised differently regarding fluoridated toothpaste. It’s not for everyone, and for some people, it can cause even more harm than good!
5. Are There Any Foods I Should Be Avoiding?
It’s good practice to ask a dentist if there are any foods that can cause harm to your teeth. That way, you can get the advice you need so that you can improve your dental hygiene.
While we might not realize it, some of the foods we enjoy daily are actually detrimental to our teeth. Some of the main ones that cause problems include:
- Sweet and processed foods
- Sugary drinks
- Certain fruits, such as those that are acidic
Food and drinks such as these can erode your teeth, lead to the formation of cavities, and result in decay. Therefore, they’re best avoided or consumed in moderation.
Your dentist, however, will be able to provide you with all of the details concerning the healthy foods that you should enjoy, as well as the wrong foods that you should steer clear of.
What to Look For in a Dentist?
When searching for the best dentist for you, there are some helpful qualities that you should look for. This can help you receive top-quality treatment that’s appropriate for your needs.
Here’s what to look for in a dentist:
- One with exceptional ratings, reviews, and feedback from patients
- An award-winning practice so that you know you’re under the care of the best around
- A dentist with years of experience and has gained a strong reputation for treating with success
- Credentials listed on their website to display their expertise
When you find a dentist that ticks all of these boxes, you know you’ve found one that’s a fit for you!
Keep on Top of the Latest Trends
While most of us know the importance of keeping our dental hygiene up to speed, many still don’t follow the practices advised. The result is increased tooth-related issues and more trips to the dentist along the way.
But now you know what to ask a dentist when you return for your next visit so that you receive the care that you need and your teeth stay clean and healthy.
Read some of our other blogs today! That way, you can join the rest of our readers in keeping up with the latest news and trends.
