4 Things to Discuss at Your Dental Check-Up

Right from childhood, we were advised to speak out on anything bothering or confusing us. This applies to your dental appointments as well. When going for your regular dental checkups, below are important things you should discuss with your dentist.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene

Everyone should practice excellent oral health habits, including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for checkups. The American Dental Association advises adult patients to go for dental checkups, regardless of the state of their health. This will ensure deep teeth cleaning regularly and early diagnosis of potential issues.

For excellent oral health, you should consider the following:

•    Consume a balanced diet of vegetables and fruits

•    Reduce snacks with high sugar content

•    Use products containing fluoride

•    Avoid the use of tobacco products

Preventing dental health issues

The best way to prevent dental diseases and keep your mouth healthy is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Health conditions including diabetes and HIV/AIDS, medications and some forms of chemotherapy tend to affect oral health. You can prevent any dental issues from worsening by discussing your questions with dental experts.

If you experience tooth sensitivity when eating hot or cold, sweet or acidic meals, you should mention that too. Tooth sensitivity means your enamel has degraded to the point where the tooth pulp or dentin is exposed and has less protection. Sensitivity may also be caused by:

  • Receding gums
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Tooth grinding (bruxism)
  • Tooth whitening procedures
  • Orthodontics and filling procedures

The dentist will check the affected teeth and make suggestions to lessen tooth sensitivity.

Using dental washes

There are different kinds of mouthwashes, each for different purposes. Some mouthwashes are effective for keeping the teeth white with fresh breath, while others have fluoride to combat cavities. Therapeutic dental washes are available to manage oral conditions such as tooth sensitivity, gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and irritation caused by chemotherapy.

In more severe cases, some dental washes have chlorhexidine gluconate to eliminate the bacteria responsible for bleeding, swelling and the formation of plaque.

How to make the teeth whiter

We all want a beautiful smile to show off; it gives an extra boost to our confidence. Over the years, it is normal for teeth to get stains or discolorations. Tooth discoloration resulting from wine, coffee, tobacco and heavily colored foods can be removed using at-home whitening kits or with expert, in-office whitening. Intrinsic stains may require bonding or veneers to the discolored teeth, which would serve as a long-lasting solution.

You may also be curious about the importance of dental x-rays during checkups. Dental x-rays are necessary, especially during your first appointments, to give the dentist an overview of your oral cavity. This will allow the dental expert to evaluate and record the state of your mouth’s hidden areas for issues and crosscheck the result with subsequent scans.

Final note

Regular dental appointments are essential to keep your oral health in good condition. After your meeting, ensure you keep to your dentist’s recommendations.

Request an appointment in our McLean office here: https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com.

Recent Posts

What Can A Dentist Detect During A Dental Checkup?

A dental checkup is an important part of maintaining good oral health, and there are many different oral health and cosmetic complications that a dentist can detect on a routine visit. It is encouraged that you visit the dentist for a dental checkup once every four to six months.By understanding the complications a dentist may…

Signs That It's Time For A Dental Checkup

Maintaining regular visits to the dentist are important for everyone. Visiting the dentist will ensure that problems don’t arise within the teeth, around the gums or in the mouth. Regular checkups will also ensure that a person is meeting the necessary standards for keeping their teeth clean each day.Often people neglect these dental check-up appointments…

Regular Dental Checkups Can Prevent Oral Health Issues

Has it been a while since your last dental checkup? Keep your smile healthy by scheduling one todayIf it is time for a dental checkup or you have not had one in the last six months, give us a call. We won't judge you and truly only care about keeping your teeth healthy. Schedule your…

Preventive Treatments From A Family Dentist

A family dentist spends most of their time performing preventative treatments that keep you and your loved one’s mouths healthy. The American Dental Association recommends getting preventative treatments like teeth cleanings at least twice a year. The data shows that it is an effective way to prevent the two most common dental issues: tooth decay…


Oak Tree Dental

Share
Published by
Oak Tree Dental

Recent Posts

What Materials Are Used in Zirconia Crowns?

This article discusses how zirconia is used to make dental crowns and the benefits of…

2 weeks ago

Three Questions to Ask Your Dentist About White Dental Fillings

Fixing dental issues with tooth-colored dental fillings is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed…

2 months ago

Why You Should Consider Invisalign for Teens

If your child needs braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign® for teens instead.

3 months ago

Cosmetic Dental Services to Create a Positive Change

Many patients have one or more issues that negatively impact their teeth. Our dentist can…

4 months ago

Is There a Recovery Period After Getting Dental Crowns?

Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure.

5 months ago

Ask a General Dentist: What Habits Can Improve Oral Health?

Perhaps the most well-known tip a general dentist has to offer is to brush at…

6 months ago