- How is My Overall Dental Health? ...
- How Can I Prevent Gum Disease? ...
- What Does This Pain, Sensation, or Discoloration Mean? ...
- What Type of Toothbrush and Toothpaste Should I Be Using? ...
- What Foods Are Bad for My Teeth? ...
- Should I Use a Mouthwash?
How do I ask a dentist a question?
A few specific dental care questions you can ask include:Am I brushing and flossing correctly?Can you demonstrate proper brushing and flossing technique?Are the dental tools I'm using the best choice for my teeth?How do my gums look?Are there any teeth we need to keep a closer eye on?
What should I not tell my dentist?
7 Lies You Need To Stop Saying To Your Dentist“I floss regularly.” A toothbrush can only remove plaque from as far as above the gum line. ... “I don't drink alcohol very often.” ... “That doesn't hurt.” ... “I don't smoke.” ... “I don't grind my teeth at night.” ... “I got lost on the way to your office.” ... “I hardly ever drink soda.”
How do I talk to my dentist?
How to Talk to Your Dentist About Your FearsMake a List of Your Fears. Some people have too many fears of the dentist to count – needles, the drill, the chair, the office, even the smell. ... Ask About Your Options for Dealing with Fear. ... Watch and Listen. ... Conclusion.
How do I tell my dentist Im nervous?
If you can pinpoint a specific fear — needles, the sound of the equipment used for fillings, whatever — mention it and ask what can be done to help. Otherwise, it's as simple as taking a deep breath and letting them know you're nervous when you arrive for your appointment.
How do you tell if your dentist likes you?
When your dentist greets you warmly and asks about your family or work, you may be thinking these are signs your dentist likes you. They're also just signs that you have a quality dentist who cares about you and wants you to be comfortable during your dental appointment.
Can dentist tell if you floss?
Yes, the Dentist Knows Obviously, your dentist will be able to tell if your habit of not flossing has led to cavities between your teeth. However, even if the problem hasn't reached that point yet, your dentist and dental hygienist will still be able to tell in a second whether you've been flossing.
What should you not do before a dentist appointment?
Below are some foods to avoid before going to the dentist.Citrus. From a tall glass of grapefruit juice, orange juice or lemonade to a fresh ripe mandarin, citrus foods and beverages shouldn't go in your mouth before you visit your dentist. ... Beef Jerky. ... Popcorn. ... Protein Can Keep You Full.
Are you supposed to brush your teeth before dentist?
If you're wondering if you should brush your teeth before going to the dentist, the answer is yes. You absolutely can brush (and floss) your teeth the day of your next office visit.
What do you say when making a dentist appointment?
Making an appointmentLet them know if you're a new patient. ... Tell them the reason for your visit. ... Give them the name of your health insurance plan. ... Find out if you need to bring anything to the visit, like medical records or current medications.It's important to know the name of the provider you'd like to see.
How do dentists calm anxiety?
Here are several coping mechanisms to help ease your fears and get you back in the dental chair.Communicate your concerns to your dentist. Don't hesitate to communicate your concerns to your dentist. ... Breathing exercises. ... Meditation and muscle relaxation. ... Guided imagery. ... Hypnosis. ... Distraction. ... Bring a friend. ... Analgesia.More items...•
How do dentists stop panic attacks?
Here are seven tips on how to overcome these fears.Find the Right Dentist. ... Communicate with the Dental Team. ... Bring Along Support. ... Try to Use Distractions During Your Appointment. ... Try Relaxation Techniques. ... Choose Your Appointment Time Carefully. ... Avoid Dwelling on Upcoming Appointments.
What is a fear of dentists called?
People with dentophobia, also called odontophobia, have a fear of dentists. Someone with dentophobia may have extreme anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist or while in the dentist's office.
What should you not do before a dentist appointment?
Below are some foods to avoid before going to the dentist.Citrus. From a tall glass of grapefruit juice, orange juice or lemonade to a fresh ripe mandarin, citrus foods and beverages shouldn't go in your mouth before you visit your dentist. ... Beef Jerky. ... Popcorn. ... Protein Can Keep You Full.
Can a dentist tell if you do drugs?
When dentists say, “open wide,” they can see a treasure trove of information about your overall health. Your mouth can give the dentist clues about your eating habits, oral hygiene, and other behaviors such as smoking and drug use.
What can a dentist tell from your mouth?
What Can a Dentist Tell by Looking at Your Mouth, Teeth, and Gums...Cardiovascular Disease. Your dental health can impact your heart. ... Diabetes. ... Kidney Disease. ... Osteoporosis. ... Anemia. ... Rheumatoid Arthritis. ... Stress and Poor Nutrition. ... Keep Your Mouth Healthy.
Do dentists make teeth worse?
Studies show that dentists replace fillings far more than necessary, and that if they suffer a drop in income, they will replace their patients' fillings more frequently. The less someone visits a dentist, the longer their fillings last, because it gives their dentist fewer opportunities to replace them prematurely.
What to ask your dentist about your dental health?
Ask your dentist for a summary of your overall dental health, how you can better manage your daily care, and any other areas you can improve.
What to ask a dentist during a dental exam?
Pay attention to this information and use it as an opportunity to ask follow-up questions. Ask your dentist for a summary of your overall dental health, how you can better manage your daily care, and any other areas you can improve.
What is the best way to replace a tooth?
Dental implants are the best way to replace and restore missing or damaged teeth. Not only will they bring back the natural and healthy functionality of your smile, they also look and feel just like your natural teeth.
How many people have gum disease?
A startling 1 out of every 2 American adults age 30 and older has periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe infection and tooth loss. It’s also associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the best way to start taking a more active role in your dental health?
Are you taking full advantage of your time at the dentist? Asking questions is a great way to start taking a more active role in your dental health. Keep reading for our list of 7 important questions we’re always hoping patients ask during their dental exams.
Why do we think of our mouth as a window to our overall health?
This is because a range of whole-body health issues begin by displaying symptoms in the mouth. For example, certain changes in your mouth can be a sign of conditions such as: Diabetes. Vitamin deficiencies.
Can you wait to get gum disease treatment?
If you are showing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to get treatment . Thanks to technological advancements, gum disease treatments today are minimally invasive and stop the disease right in its tracks. 4.
How to maintain a healthy mouth?
The best way to ensure a healthy mouth is to follow a balanced diet and regularly visit the dentist while maintaining your oral care routine with twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing. Protect yourself against problems that can advance quickly by discussing these questions with your dental professional.
What is the best way to get rid of discoloration on teeth?
Treat stains caused by coffee, wine, tobacco, and pigmented foods with at-home whitening or have professional, in-office whitening done regularly. For internal discoloration, consider composite bonding or the application of veneers to the affected teeth, which provides a more permanent solution.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume foods or drinks that are hot or cold, sweet, or acidic. Sensitivity happens when tooth enamel, which usually protects the tooth's pulp and dentin, is thinned from repeated exposure to acidity and extreme temperatures. Sensitivity can also occur as a result of: 1 Receding gums 2 Tooth grinding during sleep 3 Chipped or fractured teeth 4 Tooth whitening 5 Orthodontics and fillings
Why are dental implants good?
Most adult patients are good candidates for dental implants because they can help prevent the remaining teeth from moving or loosening.
Why does my tooth feel so sensitive?
Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume foods or drinks that are hot or cold, sweet, or acidic. Sensitivity happens when tooth enamel , which usually protects the tooth's pulp and dentin , is thinned from repeated exposure to acidity and extreme temperatures. Sensitivity can also occur as a result of:
Is a dental exam a substitute for professional advice?
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Does mouthwash help with cavities?
It depends - there are different kinds of mouthwash. Cosmetic mouthwashes aim to freshen breath and to maintain a healthy teeth color, but they contain fluoride to help fight cavities as well. Therapeutic rinses work to help treat conditions such as gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, and inflammation. For more advanced conditions, prescription mouthwashes often contain chlorhexidine gluconate to kill bacteria that cause bleeding, inflammation, and plaque or biofilm formation.
Questions to ask your dentist
Dentists sure have the upper hand when it comes to asking questions. Who can talk with hands in their mouth? Nevertheless, don’t forget: you’re the patient.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DENTAL OFFICE
Can I schedule some or all of my family members back-to-back or at the same time? This will save you trips back and forth from the dentist throughout the year.
Can you get dental treatment if your smile is fine?
Even if your smile seems fine, you may benefit from certain dental treatments. It's good to talk your potential options over with your dentist.
Is dentistry changing?
The science and practice of dentistry is constantly changing, and your dentist should be attending continuing education to keep up with the latest. Don't be afraid to ask how they stay current with new treatments and technologies.
Can you have bruxism if you have teeth grinding?
Some people suffer from bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding – and may not even know it. Ask your dentist if you have signs of bruxism and how you might treat it.
Affordable answers to your dental questions
The definition of dental is anything relating to the teeth, and when it's pain you are talking about, it’s not a good sign. And dental pain never happens conveniently during business hours. When something isn’t right in your mouth, you need your dental questions answered right away.
Common dental questions resolved on JustAnswer
I have a bump on the inside of my cheek. Do you think it’s just a canker, or should I see my dentist?
What Oral Health Products Should I Be using?
- Ask Your Dentist About Your Toothbrush
Soft or hard bristles? Electric? Sonic? Some of your toothbrush choices are a matter of preference, but your dentist will likely have a suggestion for what type of brush is the best for your mouth. Finding out what your dentist recommends will get your mouth exactly what it needs an…
Am I Brushing correctly?
- You might be thinking of course you know how to brush, but when was the last time you stopped and thought about your technique? The way you brush impacts how well you’re cleaning your teeth. Instructions for brushingrecommend using your brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums and using circular motions all around your mouth. You brush your teeth for 2 minutes and try to …
Do I Floss Enough?
- You might think you have a good flossing routine but then still have your dentist telling you to floss. Instead of getting frustrated by the constant demand for more flossing take this opportunity to talk to your dentist about flossing. Your dentist can tell you exactly where they’re seeing problems that are a result of inadequate flossing. You might be flossing your front teeth perfectl…
Why Does This hurt?
- Ask Your Dentist About Pain Even If It’s Occasional
You might not think to talk to your dentist about something that doesn’t hurt when you’re at your appointment, but any pain you experience can be significant. Take note of moments of sensitivity and pain and bring them up with your dentist. - Tooth Pain
There are several possible reasons why your teeth hurtand your dentist is an excellent resource for figuring out which one you’re dealing with. Even if it’s a case of minor sensitivity talking to your dentist can help you make your teeth healthier.