General Dentistry: 5 Questions To Ask a Dentist at Your Check-up

Thinking of scheduling a general dentistry visit soon? Read on to learn what questions you should ask at your next appointment. General dentists recommend check-up visits several times per year to check on the status of your oral health and treat any concerns in the earliest stage possible. Check-up visits are also an opportunity for patients to ask questions about their oral health and how they can protect their teeth and gums between dental visits.

5 Questions to ask at your next general dentistry check-up

A check-up visit is a great way to learn how you can protect your smile and oral health. The following are five questions to ask your general dentist during a check-up and cleaning visit:

1. What is the status of my oral health?

The general dentist and their staff will explain the condition of your oral health after the oral examination and dental x-rays. It is important to understand their answers and ask for clarification if there is anything that you do not understand.

2. Why are dental x-rays required?

Dental x-rays are necessary every one to three years, depending on the status of your oral health and risk factors for certain oral health conditions. A common question general dentists receive is why dental x-rays are necessary. Understanding this answer can help you feel better about the diagnostic tests. In most cases, dental x-rays are performed for an overview of the patient's oral health beyond what can be detected during an oral examination.

3. What can I do about tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common concerns patients have. It typically is a symptom of a larger problem, such as weakened enamel, cavities, or gum disease. It is helpful to ask the general dentist about the underlying cause of any tooth sensitivity you experience and what treatment options are available to deal with this issue.

4. How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

One of the main purposes of a check-up is to detect common concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease. If teeth are healthy and not in need of restorative care, then ask the general dentist about how you can prevent these more common oral health concerns through good oral hygiene at home. They will be able to recommend how to brush, how often to brush, what toothpaste and toothbrushes are good to use, and information about flossing and mouthwash.

5. How can I improve my smile?

Last but not least, ask the general dentist if there are any ways to improve your smile if you are interested in any cosmetic improvements. They may be able to recommend treatments such as in-office teeth whitening or more extensive treatments such as teeth straightening, according to your specific cosmetic goals.