The new year has arrived, and you’ve made a decision to put more effort into your oral health. Thus, you are planning on scheduling a visit with a dentist in River Oaks. While you’ll receive a cleaning and examination while there, you still want to get the most benefits possible from your visit. One way to go about it is to be inquisitive. Read on to learn the top 5 questions you should ask!
Question #1 – Are My Gums Healthy?
Many times, dental health is approached from a primary focus on the condition of the teeth, but the gums are equally important. The latter are to teeth what soil is to a crop. Thus, if your gum health is poor, your teeth can eventually become vulnerable to advanced decay, shifting or falling out.
Question #2 – How is My Oral Hygiene?
The main ways of cleaning your teeth are brushing and flossing. When you visit your dentist for an examination, the professional will have a “bird’s-eye-view” of your mouth. Thus, if you haven’t been performing both forms of oral hygiene regularly enough or correctly, it will be evident.
That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your dentist if there are any improvements you need to make in this area. This is vital since your oral hygiene is part of your daily routine and can have a huge impact on your oral health.
Question #3 – How Can I Maximize My Dental Insurance?
Here’s a secret: if you’ve taken the initiative to visit your dentist for preventive care, you’re heading in the right direction when it comes to getting the most value from your dental insurance. Still, you should ask your dentist for more pointers on ways to maximize your investment into your dental insurance.
Based on the condition of your oral health, the professional can make the most applicable recommendations.
Question #4 – Should I Make Any Diet Changes?
When you ask about diet changes, the main concern is actually sugar, which is the primary food source of bacteria. If your dentist notices any signs of tooth decay, based on years of experience, the professional can determine whether your sugar intake is too high.
Thus, some changes may be recommended in the foods and beverages you consume.
Question #5 – Is There Anything I Should Tell My Doctor?
Whether you’re visiting your primary doctor or your dentist, the main concern of both professionals is for you to experience the best health possible. Thus, if any issues are detected that may not be directly related to your oral health, your dentist will encourage you to visit your doctor for an examination.
Here are some of the conditions that your dentist may notice warning signs of:
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Oral Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Increased Stress and Anxiety
By visiting your dentist for preventive care and being sure to ask the above questions, you can avoid many issues and experience the best in oral and overall health.
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Texas, Dr. John H. Krell has been providing top-notch dental care for the past three decades. Still, he stays on the “cutting edge” by caring for his patients in a state-of-the-art facility. A member of the Academy of General Dentistry and several other professional organizations, Dr. Krell provides comprehensive care at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
