According to the American Dental Health Association, about 80% of Americans suffer from gum disease. Negligence and fear of visiting the dentists are big contributors to these matters in oral health. Yet, you can’t afford to take a sit back in matters involving dental treatment.
You will need your teeth to be in top shape for as long as they can. Thus, it’s advisable to ask questions during your regular dentist visit. You will benefit a lot from keeping an open dialogue with your dentist.
Always pick a dentist with whom you are comfortable. Here are seven questions to ask your dentist in the next checkup.
1. What to Do About Teeth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Nothing is as bad as when oral health gets in the way of diet. Some patients lose their appetite due to the pain they have to endure every time they put something in their mouth.
Never shy away from asking about any dental discomfort you feel. When left unattended, the discomfort can mature into an illness. Asking about your oral discomfort from a qualified dentist will help you know the cause of the sensitivity.
Tooth chipping, grinding, and a receding gum line are all possible causes of teeth sensitivity. In other cases, some products like the fillings and tooth whitening products don’t agree with the patient causing pain. Asking your dentist about tooth sensitivity early on will help you tackle the problem in the right way.
2. How Do I Whiten My Teeth?
As people grow older, their teeth tend to become yellower. Thus, it’s normal to want your dentist to whiten your teeth. After all, smiles are a big part of first impressions and how society conceives you.
So, if you are feeling that your teeth could use a bit of whitening then don’t be shy about it. Your dentist will be more than eager to discuss the various teeth whitening solutions. They will also guide you on the possible side effects of the dental treatment.
In some cases, you will need more than teeth whitening services to clear the stains off your teeth.
3. Ask Whether You Need X-Rays
You’d want to ask whether a certain procedure will need exposure to x-rays. It’s okay to worry about radiation especially when you have been through a similar situation before. The human body can only absorb so many of these harmful rays.
Another reason why you might need to ask this question is that some insurance plans don’t cover it. Hence, it’s critical to find out whether the x-ray is necessary for your dental treatment plan.
You can raise any concerns if you are not comfortable with the procedure. A good dentist will be more than willing to explain it to you step by step.
4. How Should I Space My Checkups?
Well, it’s standard for most patients to seek dental care twice a year. Yet, you may need extra dental care if you are pregnant, old, or suffer from a condition. Therefore, ask your dentist when your next checkup is.
A schedule that will ensure you get timely dental treatment for your condition is key. The best dentist near you will have a plan that outlines when you need dental services.
Minor dental surgeries will need you to visit the dentist more often. It’s crucial not to miss an appointment after a major dental procedure.
5. Ask About How You Can Improve Your Oral Health
It is important to ask this question since not every dentist out there is willing to part with this information. There is no one better to ask about oral hygiene tips than from your dentist.
They will guide you on the best way to brush and floss your teeth. You might be brushing but still missing crucial spots in your teeth leading to cavities.
Moreover, your dentist can always tell when you are brushing aggressively which is a leading causal factor of bleeding gums. Besides, some conditions have oral symptoms before they manifest in other ways. So, your dentist can warn you of an emerging illness.
Oral health is not all about hygiene, your diet plays a big role too. Therefore, ask your dentists about foods that can improve your oral health.
6. Do I Need to Replace Missing Teeth?
Neglecting dental care for long might have cost you a tooth or two in the past. Most patients don’t think of filling the gap left by the missing tooth. Yet, it’s something they should take seriously as it creates the perfect home for bacterial buildup.
Your dentist will likely suggest filling the gap to avoid further damage. The gap causes teeth to shift making them loose or closer to each other. Both of these causes can cause cavities in teeth.
Your dentist is also equipped to know what is the best way to fill the gap. Don’t ignore this as it can lead to further teeth loss.
7. What Is Your Payment Plan?
Discussing finances with your dental care provider is crucial to avoid unnecessary conflict. It’s wise to understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Get to know what your insurance can cover to avoid incurring unnecessary costs.
But if you don’t have insurance then going through a payment plan with your dentist would be best. Luckily, most experienced practitioners focus on dental care overpayment.
So, some options allow payment in installments that lessen the burden of big bills. Honesty is the best policy as your dentist will get you the option that works best for you.
Questions to Ask in Your Next Dentist Visit
Asking questions during your upcoming dentist visit is an indicator that you take your oral health seriously. Most dentists are always ready to tend to your questions. Besides, they offer the best solutions according to your payment plan.
Asking the above questions will help you get the most out of your dental care provider. Contact Memorial Dentists today to get the best dental care.