Ask Your Dentist the Right Questions
When you visit your dentist, whether for a regular checkup or a more advanced procedure, be sure you take advantage of the advice he or she has to offer. Asking questions during dental appointments is the best way for you to fully understand how to make good oral hygiene a top personal priority. See below for eight important questions to ask your dentist during your next appointment.
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How is My Overall Dental Health?
Having your dentist review your overall dental health helps you better manage everyday oral care. Your dentist will explain any severe issues you may have, but minor problems in your mouth are also important for you to understand.
Discuss proper brushing, how your gums look, and other areas that could become issues, such as potential cavities, gum recession, or weak teeth that may be vulnerable to cracking.
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How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease—whether mild, moderate, or severe—is a serious oral health problem that affects your gum tissue and the bone in your jaw that supports your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, so knowing how to prevent it is vital.
Your dentist can show you examples of healthy gums versus unhealthy gums and explain your risk for gum disease based on your current dental health. If you know what to look for, you can make sure that something minor does not develop into a larger problem.
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What Does This Pain, Sensation, or Discoloration Mean?
Discuss any points of concern with your dentist. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, are worried about the color or look of a tooth, or have any sort of dental pain, ignoring even minor warning signs can lead to more serious dental problems. Talk with your dentist about any issues you have and potential treatment options.
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What Type of Toothbrush and Toothpaste Should I Be Using?
With the wide variety of toothbrushes on the shelf at your pharmacy or grocery store—electric, hard, and soft bristles, deep cleaning, angled heads, different bristle patterns—ask your dentist which one is best for you based on your oral health needs.
Asking about toothpaste is equally important. For example, if you have sensitivity issues or if you want to whiten your teeth, your dentist can recommend an appropriate toothpaste.
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What Foods Are Bad for My Teeth?
Certain foods can cause problems for your dental health. Talk about your general diet with your dentist and ask what you should pay attention to so you can minimize your risk for tooth decay.
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Should I Use Mouthwash?
Mouthwash can be beneficial for your dental health because it helps freshen your breath and strengthen your teeth. Since mouthwashes are different, ask your dentist what is best for you. Remember, using mouthwash is a good oral care practice, but it should not replace brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day.
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What is the Best Way to Whiten My Teeth?
If you want to whiten your teeth, your dentist is an excellent information source about over-the-counter teeth whiteners, tooth sensitivity that can occur with whitener use, and potential damage to the roots of your teeth that can be caused by some whiteners.
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Is There Anything I Should Discuss with My Family Doctor?
The health of your teeth, gums, and mouth is oftentimes a gauge of your overall health. Dental issues can be an indicator of a range of conditions throughout your body, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiency. Ask your dentist about any potential oral health problems you should discuss with your regular medical provider.