Dental checkups are critically important opportunities for your dentist to check on the status of your oral health and to ensure you’re getting the care that you need. However, it’s also a chance for your dentist to provide information to you that could help you bolster your oral health.
To make the most of your dental checkup, here are some questions that it would be smart to ask your dentist.
Do I Have Any Signs of Tooth Decay or Gum Disease?
One of the primary purposes of a dental checkup is to catch any oral health problems you’re facing in their early stages, while they can still be treated easily. Tooth decay and gum disease are some of the most common oral health conditions there are, so they warrant unique attention.
Even if you don’t have cavities or gingivitis, your dentist may notice early signs of these conditions starting to creep in. You should feel free to ask them if they notice anything.
What Am I At Risk Of?
Even if you don’t have any oral health problems currently, it’s always good to be cautious about what may be lurking beyond the horizon. Your age, diet, genetics, medical history, and lifestyle could all put you at risk of developing certain oral health problems somewhere down the line.
Your dentist would have a good idea of what kinds of conditions you should watch out for, so asking them about your risk factors is a smart way to stay ahead of the curve.
How Could I Improve My Daily Hygiene?
Everyone’s had the experience of being asked by a dentist if they floss, and unfortunately, people are often less than truthful about the state of their dental hygiene. The fact is that most dentists can tell when certain areas need more attention.
If you are wondering about how you could improve your oral hygiene, you might try asking your dentist about what they notice. Even if you think you’re doing everything you should to keep your health in good shape, your dentist will be able to check your work for you.
These are just a few questions that you may want to ask a dental professional. Your dentist is there to help you, so feel free to bring up anything that you feel is important!
About the Author
Dr. Hal Lippard has been a dentist for decades, and in the course of his work, he’s been able to help countless patients get the healthy, beautiful smiles they’ve been looking for. He’s been able to watch patients he saw as children grow up and have kids of their own! Dr. Lippard received his degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, then spent four years as a dentist in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.
If you have any questions about preventive care, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (434) 293-9311.