Did you know that, although the American Dental Association recommends seeing your provider every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning, only an estimated 60% to 65% of U.S. American adults have seen their dentist in the past year?
Standard preventive visits allow your dentist to monitor your condition and catch and areas of concern in order to treat them before they progress. These appointments can also be an ideal time to ask any questions you may have regarding your dental health. If you’re unsure what things to inquire about, continue reading to learn about 3 helpful suggestions!
Question #1: How Is My General Dental Health?
Many people mistakenly assume that if they don’t see any obvious problems with their teeth or gums, their smiles must surely be in good condition. However, that’s not always the case.
Bacteria in your mouth can form plaque or penetrate areas of your mouth that can be difficult to see or reach on your own, such as below your gumline, between two teeth, or behind your molars. Meanwhile, your dentist has the experience and state-of-the-art technology to quickly identify pre-existing issues, like cavities or gum disease. If you’re unsure of your current general dental health, the best way to learn more is to schedule an appointment with your provider.
Question #2: How Can I Prevent Oral Issues?
Dental issues typically worsen the longer they remain untreated rather than spontaneously resolving themselves. Your provider undoubtedly offers services to repair or restore your smile, but it’s better to try to prevent them before they occur.
Thankfully, it’s not usually too difficult to improve your oral condition. Making a few adjustments to your daily habits, such as implementing a consistent twice-daily at-home hygiene routine and reducing your consumption of overly sugary or acidic foods, can go a long way toward preserving your grin. Your dentist can provide suggestions to avoid potential problems that take your unique needs and circumstances into account.
Question #3: How Can I Improve My At-Home Dental Hygiene?
If your dentist found issues, such as cavities or gum disease, that require treatment, you might also wonder how you can avoid a recurrence. Many providers are happy to share as much information as needed to help you feel comfortable and confident in your at-home oral hygiene habits.
For example, if you are committed to brushing twice daily but skip flossing, your provider will likely recommend including it in your routine moving forward. But if you have dental sensitivity or struggle to move the floss around your teeth, they might suggest using an oral irrigator, which relies on a pressurized stream of water to remove plaque and bacteria instead.
It’s normal to have questions about how to protect and preserve your smile, and only your dentist can provide accurate answers based on your current circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Atluri has decades of experience helping patients build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. She earned her first dental degree in 2005 in India and later graduated from New York University College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Today, she offers a complete menu of treatments, including routine preventive services, to people of all ages, so you and your family receive the same quality care. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (682) 452-1150.