During a dental checkup, your dentist will do two things – examine your mouth and clean your teeth. Scheduling these appointments regularly helps you monitor the health of your teeth and nip any problems like tooth decay or cavities in the bud.
But do you know when and how often you should start having your teeth and mouth checked and cleaned? What questions should you ask your dentist? What information should you share?
As the saying goes, knowledge is power and in the case of your teeth, it could mean avoiding preventable oral health problems. Keep reading for our lowdown on everything you need to know for your next dental visit.
1. Who needs a dental checkup?
No matter your age, a dental check-up and cleaning are musts. If you’re a parent, you can start scheduling those dental visits from the age of one or when their teeth start showing, whichever comes first. From then on, you’ll want to time your visits at least once a year, although twice a year is ideal.
However, don’t wait for your next regular checkup if you’re experiencing symptoms like frequent tooth pain or bleeding gums. Ask your dentist to squeeze you into their schedule.
2. What your dentist needs to know
Did you know your dental health can be connected to your overall health? That’s right. While you need to tell your dentist about any symptoms affecting your teeth, gums, and mouth, you should also let them know about any recent medical diagnoses you have had.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive issues are some conditions your dentist may need to know about before starting a procedure. You can also tell them about symptoms like frequent headaches, jaw pain, excessive snoring, or trouble sleeping, in case they can help.
Are you seeing a new dentist for the first time? Share your dental history, procedures you’ve had, and any sensitivities or mental health triggers that could affect your oral health. Also, fill them in on your oral hygiene routine, habits like smoking or nail-biting, and anything else they may need to know about.
3. Why dental checkups are important
Regular visits to your dentist help them monitor the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Problems that start small in this area can quickly become painful or affect other aspects of your health or quality of life, making early detection crucial.
Your dentist will check not just for tooth decay or cavities, but also the alignment of your teeth and jaw, signs of gum disease, and other concerns. They will also clean your teeth thoroughly. Teeth cleaning prevents cavities and other oral issues, brightens your smile, freshens your breath, and even boosts your confidence.
10 questions to ask at your next dental checkup
Asking questions about your teeth is a terrific way to get to the root of any issue. Plus, this simple practice will allow you to debunk misconceptions and all the fake news you see online. Here are 10 questions to ask your dentist at your upcoming checkup so you can leave with an even brighter smile.
1. How is my oral health overall?
After the usual chit-chat, a good place to start is your overall oral health. This sets up any follow-up questions you might have and allows your dentist to provide a thorough assessment of your teeth. Now would also be the time to bring up concerns you’ve been experiencing.
2. Do I have any dental problems?
While this question may seem broad, it can also dictate the direction of your consultation. Your dentist might ask you a few follow-up questions, like if you’re experiencing tooth pain or unusual oral symptoms. In any case, it’s worth throwing it out there.
3. Do I have tooth sensitivity?
During a dental cleaning, you might occasionally feel a jolting sensation, which may stem from dentin sensitivity. Mention this to your treating dentist immediately so they can try to lessen your discomfort. Also, ask if you can take extra steps to avoid the issue and strengthen your teeth.
4. Are there any types of food I should avoid?
During your dental checkup, your dentist will tell you which types of food contribute the most to any issue you may have, whether it’s plaque buildup or tooth decay. Find out what you should eat more of to keep the dentist away. Spoiler alert – yes, apples are part of the list.
5. How can I improve my oral care routine?
Ask your dentist for specific tips to improve your overall oral health. What lifestyle habits should you start, pause, or end? Given your current age, what concerns are you at risk from? A dental professional is the only person you should trust for possible treatment or medication to target your condition.
6. Do I need teeth whitening?
A study on teeth whitening by the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice cited several reasons teeth turn yellow. Age, genetics, environmental factors, smoking, certain medications, and highly acidic foods and drinks contribute to discolouration. With your dentist, you can determine the exact cause and explore options to revive your teeth back to their former lustre.
7. How can I improve my oral hygiene?
Ask your dentist how to upgrade your current oral hygiene routine. First, walk them through your usual step-by-step. Then, ask follow-up questions like: Should you switch to an electric toothbrush? Is there a special type of floss you should invest in? Are there dental products or brands you should avoid? Your dentist can even help you improve your brushing techniques!
8. How often should I come in for a dental checkup?
While many patients schedule a dental checkup every six months, your dentist can provide a more personalised recommendation based on your needs. If you’re at a higher risk for serious conditions like gum disease, you might need more frequent visits.
9. How’s my breath?
Have you always wanted to know if you have halitosis (bad breath), and your friends are just too polite to tell you? Your dentist can provide a definitive answer and help you pin down the cause, address the issue, and determine appropriate solutions.
10. How can I improve my smile?
Do you want your teeth to be as bright, straight, and shiny as your favourite actor’s? Consult your dentist about a smile makeover. They can suggest treatments to bring you closer to your goals.
For example, if you’re dealing with crooked teeth, they might recommend aligner therapy with ClearCorrect.
These orthodontic appliances straighten teeth more safely, discreetly, and comfortably than traditional metal braces. It has three layers of proprietary ClearQuartz as well as a smooth and flat trimline. These features help deliver greater control and consistent pressure to get your teeth where they should be.
Now you’re on your way to your dream smile! Just ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for ClearCorrect.
A successful dental checkup is not just about showing up and having a routine exam and cleaning. Sharing concerns during your next appointment will ensure your dentist provides you with the best possible dental care. Consider the advice here as a starting point. And don’t worry – your dentist won’t bite.
References:
Carey, C. M. (2014b). Tooth whitening: What we now know. Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, 14, 70–76.
Davari, A. (2013, September 1). Dentin Hypersensitivity: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment; A Literature Review. PubMed Central (PMC).
Dental check-up (last update 2023, May). Healthline Direct.
