Your dental checkup should never be a one-sided appointment. During regular visits to the dentist, you have the opportunity to learn and grow. A dental checkup is not just about checking oral health and cleaning your teeth and gums. The dental team should provide education during each visit. Here are four questions to ask your dentist at your next dental checkup.
Dental Checkup Process
A dental checkup typically involves two parts. Imaging of your teeth, gums, and bones is used to check for any oral health issues, such as cavities and decay. This is followed by a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums. During the second part, the dentist will check your overall oral health by carrying out a comprehensive examination.
As a patient, it helps to understand the dental checkup process, because it plays an important part in maintaining oral health. Ask the dentist to explain the implications of his findings. Follow up by asking how you can change your oral health and hygiene regime to help protect your teeth and gums.
Oral Hygiene
There is no better place to ask about oral hygiene that at a dental checkup. You have a doctor and dental hygienist who can provide excellence in education about taking care of your teeth and gums. Every patient has different needs, so avoid taking advice from well-meaning family and friends. Only your dentist has knowledge of your oral health and specific needs.
Ask the dentist or dental hygienist about the best toothbrushes and other oral health products. Dental professionals can also provide education on how to care for teeth and gums, specific to your oral health at the time of the dental checkup.
Diet & Habits
A dentist will typically notice telltale signs of diet impacting oral health while carrying out a dental checkup. However, if you have any concerns about your diet and how it is affecting your teeth and gums, feel free to ask the dentist. The same goes for any other behaviors, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
Dentists care about oral health, so, when you are at your dental checkup, questions about your diet and lifestyle are welcomed. Knowing how what you put in your mouth affects your oral health is a great way to work towards improving the strength and durability of teeth and gums.
Treatment Plan
You go to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy and strong or to receive effective restorative dentistry if you have lost teeth. In order to receive the treatment you deserve, your dentist should create a treatment plan where applicable.
At Pearl Shine Dental, we work closely with our patients to create effective dental plans. Call today to arrange your first dental checkup with a team of dedicated dentistry professionals.