Ideally, you should have a dental checkup and cleaning performed at least two times every year. During these visits, your dentist will encourage you to ask any questions that might be on your mind regarding your overall oral health. Not sure what kinds of things you should ask? Below are 4 examples of important questions that you may want to consider posing to your dentist the next time you see them.
1. What’s the Current State of My Dental Health?
While you can expect your dentist to tell you about any major oral health issues, it’s worth taking the time to get a comprehensive picture of the situation inside your mouth. Are there signs that you need to update your brushing and flossing habits? Are your gums in good health? What’s your current potential for cavities? By asking your dentist for a summary of your dental health, you can get a more complete picture of what you need to work on when it comes to caring for your teeth.
2. What is the Cause of the Unusual Symptoms I’ve Noticed Lately?
If you are experiencing oral pain, have unusually sensitive teeth, or have noticed dark spots on your smile, you should bring it up during your next dental appointment. Even if these types of symptoms don’t seem like major issues on the surface, they could be warning signs of more serious oral health threats. Be sure to voice your concerns to your dentist so that they can help you figure out what’s going on and what steps you need to take to protect your grin.
3. Should I Switch to a New Toothbrush and Different Toothpaste?
Not all toothbrushes are the same, and some are better choices for your oral hygiene routine than others. For example, you generally don’t want to select a toothbrush with hard bristles since it could potentially damage your enamel. If you’re not sure whether you’ve chosen the right kind of toothbrush, you can ask your dentist for a recommendation. You may also want to ask about any kinds of toothpaste that might be suitable for your unique smile.
4. Do I Need to Make Any Changes to My Diet?
As you can probably imagine, some foods are better for your teeth and gums than others. You generally want to minimize your intake of sugary foods that can increase your risk for cavities as well as acidic beverages that can weaken your enamel. You can discuss your current diet with your dentist to see if there are any improvements you can make to keep your smile safe.
About the Author
Dr. Sherriff Ali has more than two decades of dental experience. He is currently the president of the Tampa Bay Academy of General Dentistry, and he holds membership with various organizations such as the Florida Dental Association. He offers routine dental checkups and cleanings along with various other reliable dental services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, visit his website or call (813) 461-3463.