They say it’s a good idea to ask questions during your biannual checkups and cleanings. This makes sense and all, but as soon as you sit down in the patient’s chair, all your thoughts melt away. The next thing you know, you’re chilling at home, and you’ve realized you didn’t get as much out of your appointment as you could have.
If this sounds like you, grab a pencil and a piece of paper! This post will give you several excellent questions to bring to your dentist for your next visit.
“Can You Provide Me with a Custom Mouthguard?”
This is a particularly good one to ask if you play sports or have an intense workout routine. A customized mouthguard will protect your pearly whites from unexpected impacts and strain, potentially saving you from needing emergency dental care.
“Am I Grinding or Clenching My Teeth?”
Did you know that chronic teeth grinding or clenching can cause your enamel to wear down prematurely? You might not even be aware that you’re doing it – many patients put excess pressure on their teeth while they sleep. Fortunately, your dentist can tell if you’re doing this and can help by providing you with a special nightguard.
“Did You Notice Signs of Oral Cancer?”
Your dentist should perform an oral cancer screening as part of your regular checkups, but it never hurts to ask and confirm whether they noticed any warning signs. If oral cancer runs in your family or you have other reasons to keep a closer eye on it, that’s also worth mentioning to your dentist.
“Do You Treat TMJ Disorders?”
If jaw pain has become the norm for you, it’s possible your TMJ is misaligned or enduring excess physical stress. Treating TMJ disorders often involves carefully designing a custom oral appliance, so not every dentist can provide in-house service. But if yours does, you could very well alleviate your jaw pain once and for all!
“Would You Recommend a Fluoride Treatment?”
Fluoride treatments are more common for children. Since they’re just starting to learn how to take care of their teeth, it helps to give them a little extra cavity protection. That said, there are certainly circumstances where an adult could benefit from fluoride treatment! If you have dental sensitivity, for example, fluoride could fortify your enamel and mitigate your symptoms.
“How Can You Enhance My Smile?”
Are you just not satisfied with the way your teeth look? Cosmetic dentistry is an ever-evolving field, and it’s very likely that your dentist offers some smile-enhancing services. Don’t hesitate to ask them and find out!
Do you feel more prepared for your next checkup and cleaning? Use these questions as you see fit, and feel free to add a few of your own to your list. Remember, your dentist has seen and heard it all. As far as they’re concerned, there’s truly no such thing as a stupid question!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati is a highly accomplished dentist with active membership status in several professional organizations, including (but certainly not limited to) the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. His extensive experience in dentistry makes him well-qualified to provide quality, compassionate care and answer any questions you might have. To schedule your next checkup and cleaning today, contact Dr. Saati’s office at 978-531-2185.