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.oaktreefamilydental.com.

Recent Posts

The Importance Of A Routine Dental Check-up And Cleaning

We all try our best to take care of our oral health, and a dental check-up is certainly an important part of that. We brush, floss, try to eat properly, and avoid acidic drinks, but we can't neglect regular visits to the dentist to take care of our teeth, gums, tongue, and throat. A routine dental…

Why A Dental Check-up And Cleaning Is Important

A dental check-up and cleaning is an essential part of taking care of your teeth. It can help prevent the onset of many oral diseases while also helping to improve your smile's appearance. After all, you only get one set of natural adult teeth, so it's up to you to properly take care of them.…

Preparing Your Child For A Dental Checkup

It can be difficult to motivate children for a dental checkup. They need a routine dental checkup, so parents should know how to prepare the kids each time. It may be difficult, especially if the children start crying and screaming at the mere mention of the dentist. With patience and the proper techniques, parents and…

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…


Recent Posts

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

Having dental implants can correct tooth loss, which is the primary reason for getting these dental replacements. Other reasons for getting them may determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Knowing if you are a good candidate for dental implants can help you prepare well for your next appointments. Here are the…

Tips For Finding A Good Invisalign Dentist

Tips For Finding A Good Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as braces. Many patients find them easier to handle, less painful, less time-consuming, and less embarrassing than having a mouth full of metal. The trick is finding the right dentist who can provide you with optimal clear alignment treatment.To understand what…