Always ask these 3 questions when going to a new dentist

Are you preparing for a dental visit scheduled sometime soon?  Regular dental examinations are essential for maintaining a healthy set of teeth. However, it is important to understand that good communication is the key to develop a healthy and long-lasting relationship between the patient and the dentist and to get the best result out of your dental visits. 

So, next time you visit your dentist, make the most out of the visit by asking these questions:

Question 1: How Can We Work Together to Improve My Dental Health?

Good dental health is always the result of a good dentist and a dedicated patient working together to attain the same goal. Not everyone's mouth is the same; hence, you may need more than the general dentistry guidelines of brushing and flossing to have a healthy set of teeth. When you visit your dentist for your regular dental consultations, ask them to customize a dental care plan for you. Share your routine and the products that you use.  An experienced dentist can help you with your oral hygiene practices and the products you use, including the type of brush and toothpaste you use, your oral rinse, dental floss, etc. They can also demonstrate the correct method of brushing and flossing and advise you about how often you should see your dentist for dental checkups. An experienced dentist will also offer recommendations about the methods to combat bad breath, your fluoride intake, and the use of nightguards for teeth grinding. This can help your dentist come up with solutions to treat your dental problems before becoming a bigger concern in the future.

Question 2: How Is My Current Dental Health?

Your dentist will examine your entire mouth during your dental visits, including teeth, tongue, gums, and jaw.  Your dentist will also look for any abnormal growth or changes, including wounds, lesions, bumps, decay, plaque, signs of bruxism, bone density, etc. By assessing your overall oral health, your dentist can give you a precise analysis of your current dental health. Therefore, your dental visits are the best time for you to ask your dentist about the status of your dental health and the treatment options and choices. 

Question 3: How Can I Optimize My Dental Health Through Diet and Hygiene?

It is a well-known fact that a person's diet and lifestyle can impact their oral health in various ways. Discuss with your dentist any possible measures you need to take to adjust your daily routine and diet habits to support your oral health. Your dentist can help you modify your diet by giving you an insight into the impact of foods on your teeth, for better or worse.  They can also guide you to make the required changes in your diet and lifestyle that will help to support your oral health.

Engage in meaningful conversations with your dentist during your dental appointments and be open about your dental needs and concerns. Call PS Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (503) 574-4000 to schedule your appointment with us.