Questions To Ask Your Dentist During Oral Exams

In order to get the most out of your regular dental check-up appointments, it is important to ensure that you are asking the right questions to get the information you need. Here are some of the best questions to ask your dentist during oral exams.

1. How Can I Improve My Dental Health?

Below are some of the best ways to improve your dental health:

• Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Thoroughly floss the spaces between the teeth twice daily
• Avoid highly acidic/sugary foods and beverages
• Avoid tobacco use

Everyone is different; your dentist will be able to provide you with personalized instructions on how to best improve your dental health.

2. How Often Do I Need a Dental Cleaning and Exam?

In most cases, it is recommended to undergo a dental cleaning and exam twice a year, or every six months. Some patients – typically gum disease patients – will be asked to return to the dental office every three months to allow a close eye to be kept on their oral health. Speak to your dentist about how often you should be returning for your dental cleaning and examination appointments.

3. What Foods are Good for My Teeth?

Certain foods are ideal for promoting oral health. These foods include:

• Milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Nuts
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Green and black tea
• Sugarless chewing gum

These types of foods encourage strong and healthy tooth structure. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of foods that are good for your teeth.

4. What Foods are Bad for My Teeth?

While there is certainly nothing wrong with a sweet treat every once in a while, there are certain foods that should be avoided to promote strong and healthy teeth. Foods and substances that are bad for your teeth include:

• Sticky and hard candies
• Starchy foods such as potato chips or bread
• Soda
• Energy drinks
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Prescription medications

Your dentist can help you find healthy alternatives to some of the above foods and substances. They will also provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid in order to promote healthy and strong teeth.

5. Should I Consider Teeth Whitening Treatments?

If you have ever wondered if you would benefit from professional teeth whitening treatments, you are not alone.

Teeth whitening is an excellent way to lift unsightly stains or discoloration from the surface of the teeth, revealing a bright and white smile.

Most people are ideal candidates for teeth whitening, though there are some exceptions, including:

• Teeth that are discolored due to nerve damage (will not whiten)
• Crowns, bridges, or veneers present inside the mouth (will not whiten)
• Individuals under the age of sixteen
• Women who are pregnant

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for teeth whitening is to consult your dentist.

6. Will You Conduct an Oral Cancer Screening?

It is typically recommended to have an oral cancer screening done once per year. This helps your dentist take a close look at the health of your oral tissues to ensure that there are no signs of oral cancer. Some people (usually active smokers/tobacco users) will be asked to undergo oral cancer screenings more frequently. Your dentist will let you know how often you need to come in for your screenings.

7. Is There Anything I Should Tell My Doctor?

Your oral health is directly connected to the health of the rest of your body. There are some cases in which it may be in your best interest to discuss the outcome of your oral examination with your general practitioner. Your dentist will inform you when it is in your best interest to discuss your dental examination with your doctor.

8. Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive?

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold, this may be an indication that the protective layer of enamel has thinned or become weak. In this case, your dentist may recommend restorative fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel. They may also recommend investing in a sensitivity toothpaste. During your consultation, they will inform you what will work best for you.

9. Am I Brushing and Flossing Correctly?

In order to maintain the best possible oral health, it is very important to ensure that you are brushing and flossing correctly. Your dentist will be happy to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that you are able to properly clean your teeth at home.

10. Should I Use a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

Of course, the most important thing about your toothbrush is that you use it properly, twice daily. When it comes to deciding between an electric or manual toothbrush, it comes down to user preference and personal brushing habits. Your dentist will be able to tell you what type of toothbrush they recommend for you.

11. Do I Need a Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride ia a natural element that encourages the remineralization of the tooth enamel, which protects the more vulnerable layers of tooth structure below. While fluoride is in most toothpastes and drinking water, some people may benefit from topical fluoride applications. During your routine oral examination, your dentist will help you determine if fluoride treatments are right for you.

12. Am I at the Risk of Future Dental Problems?

Some people are more likely to have dental problems than others. That’s why it’s important to ask your dentist about this during an oral exam. This could be due to poor hygiene routines or harmful habits like nail-biting and smoking!

It’s helpful for patients to know if they are at risk of any dental issues so they can take the necessary steps to avoid those problems. Patients can also ask their dentist about any minor conditions to monitor before the next dental appointment and what they can do to stop the issue from worsening.

Reza Dental Care: Quality Dentist in South Gate, CA

Your dental check-up and examination appointments are a prime opportunity to discuss your oral health and ask your dentist any questions that you may have. Using the questions above, you will be able to get the information you need to keep your mouth as healthy and beautiful as possible.

Reza Dental Care is here to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile; we are proud to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care in South Gate, California.

Searching for the “best dentist near me”? Reza Dental Care is here for you. For more information about getting the most out of your oral examination or to get scheduled for an appointment in our South Gate dental office, book an appointment online or give us a call at 323-457-8787.