Many people are afraid of visiting the dentist. Here at Colorado Smile Design, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Your satisfaction, dental health and smile are our top priorities. Visit your Highlands Ranch dentistry with these questions in mind to help get the most out of your check-up:
5 questions to always ask your dentist
When we think about issues of health and prevention, often we don’t think of our teeth. But maintaining oral health is essential to averting trouble down the road: the prospect of icky-looking gums, losing teeth in midlife, chronic bad breath or even worse health conditions is not a pretty picture.
Just as you talk and share health concerns with your doctor, it’s important to maintain a dialogue with your dentist. After all, dentists are doctors, too. ‘They’re experts in the area between the top of the neck and below your eyes,’ says Ottawa dentist Dr. Don Friedlander, who is also the president-elect of the Canadian Dental Association. ‘You should be getting a medical exam from your dentist for that area.’ Here are Dr. Friedlander’s top picks for questions to always ask your dentist.
1. What can I do to improve my dental health?
Everyone’s mouth is different, and you might need to do more than the general guidelines of brushing after meals and flossing daily. Dentists can give you this customized information. They can advise you on whether you need to brush more often or switch to a different toothbrush, or if you need a refresher in flossing. They can tell you whether you need to increase or decrease your fluoride intake, and how often you need to come in for a visit. Don’t feel silly asking your dental professional about new products you’ve seen advertised, and whether they could help you, or are a waste of money. They may even have samples you can try.
2. What can you do to improve my dental health?
Whether it’s night guards for teeth grinding or treatment for bad breath, your dentist can help you optimize the health of your mouth. But remember, your dentist is not a mind reader. In order to provide you with the latest in oral care, they need to know about any problems you’re experiencing‘even if they seem minor at the time. Telling your dentist about any pain, discomfort or abnormalities means that they can come up with solutions that can improve your daily comfort and even prevent bigger problems from occurring later on.
3. What’s my overall dental health status?
You can ask your dentist to give you a general exam for the mouth area, which includes looking for any lumps or bumps that don’t belong; gauging bone density, especially if osteoporosis is a concern; or checking for inadvertent teeth grinding. They can make sure everything is functioning properly and, if it isn’t, can begin the discussion on treatment options.