It never hurts to ask, especially when it comes to your dental health. Be more proactive about taking control of it by asking these necessary questions the next time you visit your dentist.
1. How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
The standard recommendation is to see your dentist once every six months, although depending on your individual situation, you may have to see your dentist more often than that. Be sure to ask your dentist if he or she believes that you would benefit from more frequent visits, be it for teeth whitening or gum care.
2. What Can I Do at Home to Maintain Good Oral Health?
We all know to brush and floss (although most of us do not follow through on the latter!), but there is more you can do at home to maintain good oral health. Eating a balanced diet that limits processed sugar intake, avoiding smoking, and using toothpaste that contains fluoride are all extra steps one can take in preserving a healthy smile. Perhaps you could benefit from using a different type of toothbrush or toothpaste, too. Your dentist would be able to give you specific recommendations and also provide you with samples.
3. How Old Should Children Be When They See the Dentist?
Many new parents or those hoping to have children do not know the answer to this one, but normally babies are ready to see the dentist after their first teeth erupt, or at least by their first birthday. If your current dentist is not a family dentist, it is a good idea to have a pediatric dentist lined up for your child early on.
4. What Can I Do to Improve My Smile?
Whether you are unhappy with the color, shape, or crookedness of your teeth, your dentist can recommend proper treatments for you to improve your smile. Dr. Shumway a Spokane Valley dentist adds that it is important to bring up all of your dental concerns with your dentist.
5. How Would You Rate My Dental Health?
It may sound like an odd question, but it challenges your dentist to summarize the state of your dental health in a succinct and quick manner, eliminating any confusing jargon and also ensuring that your dentist does not gloss over undetected health issues that you may have.
If you have these questions and more, we are more than happy to answer them here at Green Tree Dental. Contact us to schedule an appointment!