It is important to be knowledgeable about your dental health, and your Salem dentist is the best person to go to with any questions or concerns.
Dental anxiety affects between
3 and 16 percent of adults.
Do you ever feel nervous or stressed out before going to the dentist? If so, knowing the right questions to ask your Salem dentist can make a big difference and help you to get the most out of your appointment.
If you're getting ready to visit your dentist in Salem, keep reading. Listed below are 7 important questions you must ask during your next appointment.
1. What More Can I Do to Strengthen My Teeth?
The answer to this question can help you get a sense of what you're doing well when it comes to your oral hygiene and what you could be doing better. For example, your dentist might see that you're doing a good job of brushing your teeth but could be better about flossing your back teeth.
Keep in mind, this question is important even if your dentist doesn't bring up any issues during your exam and cleaning. If they say everything looks fine, follow up so you can find out what you're doing well. That way, you can continue doing those things and reduce your chances of dealing with future dental issues.
2. Am I At Risk for Any Dental Issues?
Speaking of future dental issues, this is another good question to ask your dentist.
Maybe your teeth look fine now. However, are there any issues that could put you at risk in the future?
Do you have jaw misalignments that could contribute to discomfort or difficulty chewing later in life? Do you have crooked teeth that are hard to clean and prone to cavities?
If your dentist brings up any of these issues in response to your question, follow up with more questions about how you can correct the problem. For example, do they recommend something like braces or Invisalign to correct misalignments?
3. Do You Have Any Recommendations for Better At-Home Dental Care?
If you're having trouble with a particular aspect of at-home dental care, ask your dentist for recommendations.
Do you struggle with flossing your teeth? If so, ask your dentist if they can suggest anything that makes the process easier.
Remember, your dentist is here to help you look and feel your best. They've heard and seen it all.
If you're struggling with something related to your oral hygiene, there's a good chance they have the tools to help you correct the issue before it escalates into something more serious. Don't be afraid to open up about your challenges and ask for recommendations.
4. Do You Notice Any Symptoms That I Should Bring Up with My Doctor?
Did you know that poor oral health is connected to a lot of other health issues, including
heart disease?
Often, some of the first indicators of a health problem show up in a person's mouth. For example, swollen gums or chronic bad breath can be early warning signs of poor cardiovascular health.
As your dentist is conducting their exam, be sure to ask if they notice any of these warning signs. If they do, follow up and ask them if they think you should bring those problems up with your doctor during your next check-up. This could help you catch an issue early on, before it progresses and becomes more serious.
5. Do You Recommend Any Dietary Changes?
Your diet can have a big impact on your oral health. If you consume a lot of high-sugar foods or drinks, for example, you may be more prone to cavities and tooth decay.
Depending on the state of your teeth and gums during your visit, your dentist may recommend that you lay off certain foods and drinks, or at least reduce your intake. If they don't bring this up on their own, ask them what they suggest as far as diet goes moving forward.
In addition to telling you to avoid or limit consumption of certain foods and drinks, they may also recommend that you take in more of other foods and drinks. They might tell you to drink more water, for example, or eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Do You Recommend Any Cosmetic Treatments?
If you're visiting a Salem, NH cosmetic dentist, you might want to ask them if they recommend any cosmetic treatments. For example, do they think you're a good candidate for teeth whitening or veneers?
Even if your dentist doesn't specialize in these procedures, they might be able to recommend someone who is. They can put you in touch with an
implant dentist in Salem, NH, for instance, and point you in the direction of a professional who can help you get the smile you've always wanted.
7. Do You Recommend Dentures or Dental Implants?
Finally, you may want to ask your dentist directly if they recommend a specific treatment like dentures or dental implants. Remember, these treatments aren't just about looks. They can also improve your oral health and make actions like eating much easier.
If you've lost teeth and want to fill in the gaps in your smile, consider meeting with a denture dentist in Salem, NH, or someone who offers implant dentures in Salem, NH. Then, ask them if they think you're a good candidate. Their answers can help you plan for the future and ensure you're getting the best treatment for your needs.
Prepare for Your Salem Dentist Appointment Today
There are lots of important questions to ask your Salem dentist.
It doesn't matter if you're curious about Salem, NH dentures, or are just getting an old-fashioned tooth cleaning. Either way, keep this list in mind. It'll help you to go into your appointment with confidence and leave feeling knowledgeable and empowered.
Do you need help finding a dentist in Salem, NH (03079)? If so, don't just type in "dental office near me" or "dentist near me" and hope for the best.
Contact us today at Dental Arts of Salem to learn more about our services or to schedule your next appointment.
