10 Dental Questions

At Lakeside Dental, we always encourage patients to ask questions about their dental health. We believe in informing our patients sufficiently during each dental appointment. However, it is always good to be proactive and ask constructive questions that can help you maintain your dental health in a better way.

Here is a list of the top 10 questions you can ask your dentist about your oral health.

1. How is my dental health?

You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular dental check-ups. Your dentist will carry out a clinical examination, take diagnostic radiographs, and advise preventative procedures like sealant application or fluoride treatment. Although your dentist will inform you about your oral health during your regular check-up, you could still ask your dentist whether you have dental caries, gum disease or other dental problems. It is important to take your child for a dental check-up at the age of 1 year. You can also ask your dentist about your little one's oral health.

2. How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

Preventative dental care helps in maintaining good oral health in the long-term. You can learn the correct method of brushing and flossing from your dental team. Also, you can ask which toothbrush and toothpaste we recommend here at Lakeside Dental. If you are suffering from gum disease or are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may need to use special tools for maintaining oral hygiene. Thus, it is important to be informed about these aspects.

3. When should I schedule my next dental appointment?

It is important to know if you need a follow-up visit after your dental treatment is finished. Moreover, you should go for a dental check-up bi-annually. The frequency of check-up depends on your dental situation.

4. Is there anything I should share with my physician?

Your dental status can be an indicator towards a medical disease. Your dentist can tell you if you are suffering from systemic diseases like osteoporosis or diabetes and if there is a situation that you should talk about with your physician.

5. I have dental phobia. Do you know special techniques which can help me have a positive dental experience?

It is important to tell your dentist about your dental fears. Drs. Brad Sorenson and Levi Miller use advanced and scientifically proven techniques to help patients with dental phobia relax and have a peaceful dental treatment.

6. How can I take care of my child’s dental health?

The general guidelines for oral care may not work in every case. Your dentist can advise you special techniques like sealant application, orthodontic treatment or fluoride toothpaste depending on your child’s dental status. The oral needs of children differ from that of adults, and so you should specifically ask about your child’s dental health.

7. Do you recommend any diet changes?

If you consume excess sugars, carbonated drinks and other foods that harm teeth, your dentist may advise you to stop the intake of such products. Moreover, some dental procedures may require you to modify your diet temporarily. For example, if your tooth was extracted, you will be advised to take soft and cold food for one day and avoid hot and spicy dishes.

8. Which habits are bad for my teeth?

Habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and other hazardous substances harm the teeth. Moreover, thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting also damage the dentition. Your dentist can inform you about the harmful effects of these habits.

9. Do I need to share my medical details with you?

If you have an allergy or are suffering from a medical disease, you should inform your dentist about these important issues. Your dentist may change the prescription and even make changes in the treatment plan according to your systemic health.

10. How can you help me improve my dental health?

Once you know your dental status, it is important to be aware of the possible treatment options and how the procedures can benefit you. Apart from these questions, you can always get detailed information about the dental procedure advised to you.

Schedule your dental appointment at Lakeside Dental today!

We are always happy to solve your dental queries. If you want to know how we can help you achieve a healthy smile and how you can improve your oral health, please call us at (509) 761-6568 to schedule your dental visit.