Often times patients are nervous or afraid to ask their dentist questions about their oral health. It’s important to ask questions if you are unsure of something or you are experiencing any problems, so your dentist can address them right away. Here are some of the top question’s patients should ask their dentist.
1. How often should I get a dental checkup?
Your dental health varies from person to person, but the American Dental Association recommends adult patients should visit a dentist once or twice a year even if their mouth is in excellent condition. This allows the patient to get their teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist on a regular basis and ensures that any potential problems are identified right away.
2. What is tooth sensitivity and why do I have it?
Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume anything from hot to cold and anything sweet or acidic. The reason they are feeling sensitivity is because they have thin tooth enamel. When a patient has thin tooth enamel, they have less protection on their tooth which exposes them to extreme temperatures. Having sensitive teeth can be the result of receding gums, tooth grinding during sleep, chipped or fractured teeth, tooth whitening, orthodontics and fillings. If you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity at all let your dentist know and they can help reduce your sensitivity.
3. What are the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home?
Good oral hygiene at home is extremely important. It’s crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss once a day. Here are some tips to become an oral hygiene expert in the comfort of your own home. The first step is to use products that contain fluoride to help fight against cavities. The second step is to limit your snacks that contain a large amount of sugar. Step three is to eat a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. The final and most important step is to avoid any form of tobacco. These steps will improve your oral hygiene along with your overall health.
4. Why should I have dental x-rays taken?
Your dentist takes a full set of dental x-rays early into the doctor-patient relationship. This helps to examine and record the patient’s mouth’s hidden areas for any issues that need comparing against changes that can occur between appointments. Most patients have bite wing x-rays every year and a full mouth series every 4 to 5 years. However, patients with a higher risk for dental problems may need them every 6 to 18 months.
5. How can I improve the whiteness of my teeth?
When you have a beautiful white smile, it gives you an incredible boost of confidence. Most patients have some form of discoloration from over the years of drinking coffee, wine, using tobacco and even different forms of medication. There are many ways to improve the whiteness of your teeth such as, professional in office teeth whitening, composite bonding or the application of veneers to the affected teeth, which provides a more permanent solution.
Remember at your next dentist appointment here are a few questions to ask. Feel free to schedule a free new patient consultation with us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today and don’t forget to follow us on social media @PhillyDentistry to stay up to date with all the cool things our office does in this beautiful city of Philadelphia!