When you visit your dentist for a checkup, you probably expect them to ask plenty of questions. But do you have anything you want to ask them? Dental checkups can be a great opportunity to learn more about dental care as well as any services the practice offers that you might benefit from. Below are 5 questions that you might want to bring up the next time you see your dentist.
1. What Should My Oral Hygiene Regimen Look Like?
Are you not sure that you’re giving your smile the care it needs at home? Your dentist can give you a few tips on how to improve your oral hygiene routine. For example, they can advise you on proper brushing techniques, and they may suggest products that could help you protect your teeth better, such as fluoridated mouth rinse.
2. How Can I Keep My Teeth Whiter?
Plenty of people want a whiter smile, but store-bought whitening products aren’t always effective, and DIY methods like charcoal whitening can be risky. Your dentist can give you suggestions for whitening your teeth safely, such as a professional in-house treatment.
3. Am I Grinding My Teeth?
Bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding, often happens at night when you’re not aware of it. As such, your teeth might be wearing down at an accelerated rate, and you might not even notice the damage until it’s too late. Your dentist, on the other hand, is in a good position to check for bruxism. Ask them if they notice any concerning signs during your checkup and what steps you can take to stop the problem.
4. Do I Need to Change My Diet?
Think about the foods you’re eating every day. Are any of them putting your teeth at risk? Let your dentist know what your diet looks like and ask if they have any suggestions. They’ll be able to identify any foods that could be contributing to oral health problems and point you toward more smile-friendly alternatives.
5. What’s Your Policy on Continuing Education?
The field of dentistry is always changing, which is why continuing education is so important for dentists. It lets them keep up with the latest techniques and technologies so that they can continue to provide state-of-the-art care for their patients. Take the time to talk to your dentist about their continuing education to get a sense of how they’re staying current with the latest in dental care.
These are just some suggestions. It’s worth taking the time to think of your own dental needs and smile goals so that you can come up with your own questions. If there’s anything you want to know, don’t hesitate to tell your dentist; they’ll be more than happy to help!
About the Practice
At Smile Fitness Dental Center in Phoenix, several dentists work together to provide patients with caring, experienced treatment that goes beyond their expectations. We’ve been serving our community for over 30 years now, and we always love having the opportunity to educate our patients by answering their dental questions. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (623) 849-0477.