Seeing your dentist regularly is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. In addition to providing professional cleanings, restorative treatments, and other important services, your dental appointments allow your teeth to be monitored by a trained dentist who can help you understand how to practice excellent oral care at home. Here are a few great questions to ask your dentist for when you next visit their office.
How Is My Oral Hygiene?
When they evaluate your oral health, your dentist will be able to determine how effective your at-home hygiene methods are and how you can improve them. They may recommend altering your daily regimen in such ways as using a different toothpaste or flossing or brushing differently. Listening to your dentist’s oral care recommendations can help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile that’s sure to impress.
How Is My Diet Affecting My Oral Health?
A routine dental exam can provide your dentist with all the information they need to tell you if you need to cut down on some type of food or beverage. Dental stains can show your dentist that you are enjoying too many heavily pigmented items such as coffee, red wine, tea, dark sauces, or berries without cleaning your teeth properly afterward. Your dentist may recommend reducing or ceasing your soda consumption since these beverages are high in sugar that feeds harmful oral bacteria and acid that erodes enamel on contact.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
Many people have experienced a sharp jolt in their teeth when they consume hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods or beverages. If you have dental sensitivity that doesn’t go away after a thorough session of brushing and flossing, it may be caused by infections or injuries that must be resolved by a dental professional. Dental sensitivity can be caused by factors like:
- A receding gumline
- Enamel erosion due to teeth grinding
- Chips or fractures
- Recent tooth whitening procedures
- Orthodontic treatments or fillings
Your dentist will explain what may cause your sensitivity and recommend an appropriate treatment such as using a desensitizing toothpaste or a prescription mouthwash.
Don’t let the chance to have all your oral health questions answered pass you by. By having a few questions in mind when you visit your dentist, you stand to get the most that you can out of the appointment.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop earned his dental degree at the Emory University School of Dentistry, where he ranked second in his class and later completed a periodontal specialty residency. He has also received dental implant training at prestigious institutions like the Misch International Implant Institute and the Dawson Academy. His office Naples, FL, offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book your next dental appointment, contact his office online or dial (239) 594-8817.