Seven questions you should be asking about your dental health

Asking questions is an important trait in a person, we try to build this quality in children from an early age. However, we somehow end up forgetting it as we grow up. Asking questions is important especially when it is about your health. The popular notion is that medical field in general and is complicated so we should do just as the doctors tell us to and not mind knowing on our own. It’s high to change that concept.

Take your oral/dental health for example, how do you know about it? Well, if you haven’t asked the questions you don’t know the answers.

Is your dentist Cranbourne the right one for you?

Understanding whether or not a doctor is the right one for you is not as difficult as you might think. Are you satisfied with the treatment? Is your dentist experienced, friendly and licensed? How far do you have to drive to go see your dentist? If the answers to these questions come with positive connotations, you are fine.

However, if they don’t, time to find a new dentist Cranbourne. Now, let’s get into some other questions that you need to ask about your dental health.

Seven questions you should be asking about your dental health:

1.     How to improve the whiteness of the teeth: This may sound superficial, but it is what it is. A beautiful smile means clear white teeth and it can boost one’s confidence. And, many people go through discoloration of the teeth which affects them directly. Discoloration can be a result of internal, extrinsic or surface stains caused by wine, coffee, tobacco and pigmented foods among other things. Consulting a dentist for in-office regular whitening is safer than trying on chemicals at home. Your dentist can offer you a permanent solution without risking your dental health.

2.     How frequent should you get a dental check-up?: The condition of one’s dental health varies from another’s, but even if your dental health is in excellent condition, Australian Dental Council recommends you to go to a dentist twice or at least once a year. Routine dental check-up ensures your teeth are professionally cleaned and any major dental problems are kept at bay, also early diagnosis of possible dental issues.

For growing children, elderly and those with frequent dental issues, visit your dentist as per the follow up routine provided to you.

3.     How to practice good oral hygiene at home?-Precaution is better than cure might be an old saying, but holds just as much truth even today. It is important that you brush twice daily, floss regularly and eat considering your dental health. Here are some more steps to follow for good oral hygiene:

Use products with fluoride in them

Don’t snack on products with high amount of sugar

Keep vegetables and fruits in your diet

Don’t consume tobacco in any form

4.     Why are dental x-rays important? : There are many people who are sceptical about dental x-rays. But, your dentist is supposed take a set of dental x-rays when assessing your dental health early into the process. Why? Dental ex-rays help to examine issues in your mouth’s hidden areas and record them, this helps in comparing changes that occur between each visit. Adults with good dental health require bitewing X-rays once every year and a full mouth set X-rays every 4-5 years while those with higher risk of dental problems need them once every 6-18 months.

5.     How to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis? : The best way to make sure your dental health is on point is to follow a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables and visit your dentist regularly while maintaining your oral care routine.

For those with medical conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes or for those who are on certain medication or chemotherapy, your situation affects your dental health. So, discuss any kind of dental discomfort to your dentist early in the stage.

6.     Why do I have tooth sensitivity?-tooth sensitivity is when you feel pain while consuming anything that is hot or cold and/or sweet or acidic. It is a result of thinning tooth enamel which is unable to protect your dentin or tooth pulp from exposure to extreme temperatures. Here are some reasons why you might have tooth sensitivity:

Weaker gums

Grinding teeth during sleep

·        fractured or chipped teeth

·        Harmful and excessive Tooth whitening

·        Fillings  and Orthodontics

In case of tooth sensitivity, your dentist will examine your teeth and find out the cause to then put you under the right treatment.

7.     How to find the right dentist? - Many of your dental problems will end with the right dentist. One easy way to finding the right dentist is to ask yourself ‘why is my current dentist not the right one.

Reading reviews and testimonials, going in for a one check-up and gauging the dentist’s nature and looking for the dentist’s credentials are some good ways of finding the right dentist.

A good dentist Cranbourne, or anywhere else for that matter, is experienced, friendly and is able to calm his/her patient before any treatment. Choosing a good dental practice isn’t always based only on how good your dentist is, there are some other factors as well, the distance from your place to the dentist’s clinic for example.

So, it is important to find a good dentist in proximity that also motivates you in not missing any follow up exams and visiting your dentist on routine check-ups.