The Top Questions To Ask Family Dentists During Check-Ups

Dentist Blog

What are the top questions to ask family dentists? Your regular check-up provides you with the perfect opportunity to talk to the dental pro. But you won't have an endless amount of time for a lengthy Q and A session. If you're not sure what to prioritize during your dental discussion, take a look at the need-to-know questions that can help to improve your mouth's health.

Which Toothpaste Is the Right Product?

The dental product aisle is filled with pastes and gels that promise cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and a whiter smile. But you're not sure which toothpaste is the best choice to fit your individual dental needs. The American Dental Association (ADA) only approves fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fluoride helps to fight tooth decay by remineralizing the outer enamel layer. This creates a strong surface that protects each tooth from cavity-causing bacterial byproducts.  

Ask your dentist which ADA-approved toothpaste they recommend and what other ingredients (beyond fluoride) to look for. If you have a specific oral health need or concern, such as gingivitis or tooth sensitivity, you may need to choose a specialized product. 

Do You Need Other Dental Care Products?

Is toothpaste the only product you need for a healthy at-home dental care routine? Aside from the brush itself, your dentist may also recommend other products. These could include floss, interdental brushes or picks, mouthwash, or a rinse. 

Are Your Gums Healthy?

Chances are you will know if you have a cavity. While some cavities may not cause an immediate problem, most will hurt or increase tooth sensitivity. Even though dental decay is often easy to spot, gum disease isn't always obvious. You may not notice that your gums have gone from a healthy pink to an irritated red or you may think that it's normal to bleed a little every time you bite down on an apple or when you brush your teeth.

Left untreated, gum disease can cause serious oral issues. Minor gingivitis can grow into a severe form of periodontitis. This can result in pain, inflammation, infections, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. 

Before you leave your dental check-up, ask the dentist to review your periodontal health. The dentist can provide you with an overview of your gums' current health status and help you to learn more about at-home care. If your gums are in poor shape or you have signs of significant periodontal disease, the family dental professional can refer you to a specialist or schedule an appointment for a deep cleaning/root planing and scaling. Some patients may need a gum flap procedure or another type of surgical treatment to reverse periodontal disease.

Speak to your family dentist for more advice. 

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21 October 2022

Mouth Rinses Are Not Just for Bad Breath

I have always brushed and flossed my teeth daily, but I still had the occasional cavity when I visited the dentist for a check-up. He told me it was normal to have a cavity on occasion and that I shouldn't let it stress me out too much. Well, I am not one to just accept any problem I am having, so I started looking into how to improve my oral hygiene even more. I had always thought mouthwash was just to improve your breath, but I found some that said they helped keep cavities away. I started using one every day before bed. I haven't had a cavity in two years now, and I think the mouth rinse is the reason! I created this blog to remind other people that even if they brush and floss regularly, they can always find ways to take even better care of their teeth.