You may not realize it, but your dentist would love for you to ask more questions, whether it relates to a specific treatment or is just a general curiosity regarding oral care. Asking questions and speaking frankly with your dentist can not only ease your own anxiety but also catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
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Do You need Your dental questions answered right away?
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. Whether it's a simple question about a toothache, or something more complex like recovery from dental surgery, answers aren't always easy to come by with just and Internet search.
How can I talk to my dentist about my dental problems?
If you find it tough to talk to your dentist while you’re having your teeth cleaned, try a little nonverbal communication. A thumbs up or a grunt of acknowledgement go a long way. If you’re ever in pain or want your dentist to stop, put your hand up and they will immediately understand.
What are some common dental questions resolved on JustAnswer?
Common dental questions resolved on JustAnswer . The dental Experts on JustAnswer regularly field questions such as: I have a bump on the inside of my cheek. Do you think it’s just a canker, or should I see my dentist? I want to replace my bridge because it has moved. Could this be fixed, and how much will it hurt?
When is the best time to talk to a dentist?
Instead, the time during your exam serves as the best time to talk – and talk dentists do! Your dental exam takes time – and for an anxious patient, the appointment can seem to stretch on forever. Having to wait quietly can increase a sense of nervousness for patients who are counting the seconds until the exam is over.
What should I not tell my dentist?
Here is my top 10 list of things that should never be said to dental patients:“That is expensive.” ... Talking about another patient. ... “You should get insurance.” ... Discussing fees over the phone. ... Saying mean things. ... Displaying negative nonverbal communication. ... Having a negative attitude. ... Second-guessing the doctor.More items...•
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.
What questions should I ask the dentist?
8 Important Questions To Ask Your Dentist At Your Next AppointmentHow 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?More items...
How do you tell your dentist you are 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.
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 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.
What are the common dental problems?
10 Common Dental Problems and TreatmentTooth Decay. Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. ... Gum Disease. Gingivitis is the early stage and mild form of gum or periodontal disease. ... Bad Breath. ... Sensitive Teeth. ... Cracked or Broken Teeth. ... Receding Gums. ... Root Infection. ... Enamel Erosion.More items...•
How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least once a year to get a routine examination and cleaning. If you have a history of periodontal disease, you should get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of infections or disease.
How should I prepare for a dental interview?
Preparing For The InterviewPrepare documentation to highlight your studies and experience.Curriculum vitae or resume.Description of previous cases.List of practiced procedures.Letters of recommendation.Questions you may want to ask the interviewer.Copies of dental credentials and certifications.References.More items...
How do dentists calm anxiety?
Dental anxiety treatment and coping optionsCommunicate 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...•
What does dentist give for anxiety?
The most commonly prescribed dental related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.
What causes dental anxiety?
Causes of dental anxiety and phobia other traumatic experiences, including abuse. generalised anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. the view that the mouth is a personal area and accessing the mouth is an invasion of personal space. fear of loss of control.
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 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
When do babies lose their teeth?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of six and eight. They typically fall out in roughly the same order in which they grew. Keep in mind that all patients are different. Children and adult oral conditions depend on how long they've gone without an appointment, how long a child's baby teeth last, and what kinds of things you are naturally more sensitive to.
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.
1. Why do I have tooth pain?
If you ever experience tooth pain, even if it’s minor and seemingly random, it’s important to ask about it rather than assume it will simply go away. Tooth pain can be a simple sensitivity issue or a symptom of a severe cavity you’re not aware of. Your dentist can also help you figure out where the pain is coming from.
2. What are my options for whitening my teeth?
Having a healthy smile is important, but many patients also want whiter teeth. There is a lot of misinformation out there about teeth whitening and plenty of horror stories about permanently damaged enamel or chronic sensitivity. Rather than trying to figure this out on your own, just ask the dentist instead.
3. How can cosmetic dentistry help me?
Cosmetic dentistry is a huge industry, but many adults still feel self-conscious about asking about treatment options for something once considered a luxury or even vain.
4. What causes tooth decay?
Patients with cavities might be confused as to why they’re experiencing tooth decay when they don’t eat a lot of sugar. In fact, you could seemingly be doing everything right yet still have chronic tooth decay issues found during your six-month checkups.
5. How can I stop grinding my teeth?
Sometimes dentists can immediately tell if a patient is grinding their teeth due to unusual wear and tear, but this isn’t always the case. If you’ve discovered that you’re grinding your teeth while sleeping or even during the day, bring this up to the dentist, as well as your general physician.
6. Should I worry about bleeding gums?
You might notice that your gums bleed after you brush and/or floss. Although it isn’t uncommon, it still needs to be addressed. If this happens during your normal routine, you really should bring it up on your next dental appointment. Bleeding gums, even if it’s very minor, can be an early symptom of gingivitis or even periodontitis.
7. How can I help my tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is another common problem that has seemingly been normalized, even though it should always be brought up to the dentist. If you experience sensitivity, you should not only inform the dentist but also inquire as to how you might be able to get it under control.
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?
How to communicate with dentist during exam?
How to Communicate with Your Dentist – Even During Your Exam. If you find it tough to talk to your dentist while you’re having your teeth clean ed, try a little nonverbal communication. A thumbs up or a grunt of acknowledgement go a long way. If you’re ever in pain or want your dentist to stop, put your hand up and they will immediately understand. ...
What is the end of a dental exam?
So the end of your exam (when you can speak freely) is usually spent discussing your dental health, rather than acting as a time to catch up. Instead, the time during your exam serves as the best time to talk – and talk dentists do!
Is small talk important in dental?
Small talk might not seem important, but it can actually inform so much of your experience with your dental care. Like we mentioned earlier, if you’re not feeling good while in your dentist’s office, looking for a new team might be the answer. Check out patient reviews for providers in your area to get a feel for what the atmosphere might be like, ...
Can you listen to music during a dental exam?
If you’re anxious about dental care and hoping to find a way to calm down during your exam, you can also ask your dentist if it’s alright if you bring headphones and listen to music on your phone during your appointment.