Individuals who schedule a general dentistry appointment twice per year can promote a healthy mouth and prevent oral health problems from worsening. While professional cleanings are essential for preventing tooth and gum disease, patients can get even more out of dental appointments by asking a general dentist several questions. Many dental practitioners plan the schedule to allow for both cleaning and evaluating the teeth and going over any concerns a patient may have.
In addition to visiting a dentist for a checkup and in-depth cleaning, it is also vital for individuals to practice good oral hygiene habits between visits. Although a dentist can sometimes prevent the consequences of insufficient home care, patients can minimize adverse oral and general health problems by remembering to ask a general dentist these three vital questions.
Dentists and hygienists are excellent resources for teaching patients about good oral care habits. A general dentistry appointment is perfect for patients to explore ways to improve brushing and flossing techniques and develop strategies to protect against plaque and tartar buildup between professional cleanings. In addition, individuals who notice bleeding while brushing, teeth sensitivity, or bad breath can turn to a dentist or hygienist for advice about ways to improve home maintenance and prevent tooth and gum disease.
It is worthwhile to ask the dentist for recommendations on household products to use for daily hygiene. There are some products designed to address tooth sensitivity or to specifically target gum disease, while there are also a variety of brushes and styles to choose from. Getting advice on which products are effective at preventing decay and thoroughly cleaning the teeth is one way to improve the results at the next cleaning. It is also the time to ask about any current products being used and the potential harm or good resulting from use.
Many individuals wonder why a dentist always asks about overall health changes at every general dentistry visit. In addition to offering honest feedback about health changes, patients should ask a dentist to explain the relationship between oral and overall health. For example, patients who recognize that existing conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can lead to teeth and gum problems may commit to practicing more rigorous home care. Likewise, understanding the growing evidence suggesting that poor oral health can cause systemic inflammation, leading to heart disease, cancer, and other general health problems, can inspire individuals to prioritize a healthy mouth.
It may be wise to explore specific health concerns with a dentist at these appointments. If there is a history of a specific condition that runs in the family, a dentist may be able to recognize warning signs early on. Talking openly about health changes gives the dentist a better idea of your overall health and how oral hygiene practices may be having an impact.
Patients can take a proactive approach to oral health by asking dentists to discuss various risk factors for teeth and gum complications. For example, the risk for oral disease substantially increases for patients with systemic autoimmune disorders or those who take medications that can lead to dry mouth, promoting excess plaque and tartar. A dentist may also advise patients to make dietary changes to prevent enamel erosion due to poor nutrition habits or prescribe a nightguard for patients with bruxism that makes them susceptible to gingivitis. Patients who ask dentists to describe potential risk factors for oral health problems and request advice about countering them can get substantial benefits from a general dentistry visit.
Although the dentist will look for signs of decay or disease during an appointment, knowing the early signs could keep a problem from getting worse. If the gums start bleeding during brushing or are swollen and tender, it could be an early indication of periodontitis. Without knowing the symptoms or what to look for, these serious conditions could have a negative impact on overall health.
A general dentistry appointment is a time for a thorough dental cleaning and oral examination leading to the discovery and treatment of existing problems that negatively impact oral and systemic health. In addition, patients should feel confident to ask a dentist any questions about improving home care and reducing the impact of factors that may make them susceptible to future oral and overall health issues. Missing out on these opportunities to speak to a dental professional can lead to issues that are undiscovered or unaddressed.
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