Does it happen to you sometimes when you’re brushing your teeth at night that you start asking yourself questions about oral hygiene practices and home remedies to whiten your teeth?
There are many questions that you should ask your dentist to learn more about your oral health and how you can keep your teeth in good shape.
Here are 6 common questions that you should ask your dentist at your next appointment:
How often should I get a dental check-up?
As a general rule of thumb, you should stop at your dentist for a dental check-up and cleaning twice a year, so every six months.
However, you should still confirm with your dental care provider that this applies to your situation because, as you know, every patient is different. So, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist will tell you how often you should pay a visit.
How can I improve my oral hygiene practices?
You know the drill when it comes to brushing and flossing. However, taking your dental care practices to the next level is easy-peasy, all you need to do is adjust some of your shopping habits.
When you’re at the store to buy your dental products, try to buy fluoridated toothpaste, mouth rinses, etc. but while you’re at it, stop yourself from rushing into the junk food section and don’t let the idea of buying snacks that are high in sugar even cross your mind.
Instead, walk towards the fruits and veggies aisle and try to plan a balanced diet.
While you’re at the checkout, avoid making eye contact with tobacco products, and here you have taken your dental care practices up a notch.
When should I consider getting veneers?
Veneers make a great choice for a variety of dental problems. So, if you suffer from significant, staining, cracks, chips, and/or wear and tear, veneers can be an all-in-one solution.
For extremely misaligned teeth, you should probably opt for another hardcore, orthodontic solution but for minor issues such as an irregular shape or unevenness, go for veneers.
Why are dental X-rays important?
Dental X-rays are considered a great diagnostic tool that your dentist must have early into the patient-dentist relationship as they can help them recognize any damage to the teeth in its early stages before it is even visible to the naked eye.
Your dentist will look at them every appointment to detect any changes that could be happening.
Bitewing X-rays are taken every year, and a full mouth series is taken every 4-5 years unless you have a risk for tooth decay, then it will be every 6-18 months.
What type of mouthwash should I use?
Choosing what type of mouthwash works best for you depends on your current oral health conditions, concerns, and goals.
If you have from including onions in your lunch, then you can use a cosmetic mouth rinse. But if this is a persistent problem then you will need a mouth rinse that cures the problems that could be causing your breath to smell bad, such as excessive bacteria, gingivitis, gum disease, etc. For these oral health issues, you should use an antibacterial mouthwash.
If you’re looking for a mouthwash that can help protect your teeth, strengthen your enamel, and prevent tooth decay, then use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Though, no matter how great your mouthwash is, remember that it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Instead, it supplements their benefits.
What is the best toothbrush bristle for me?
Whenever you head to the store to buy a new toothbrush, you will have the option to choose one with soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles.
The pressure you apply when brushing your teeth and the hardness of the brush bristles, if not chosen correctly, can have many negative effects on the health of your teeth.
Which option is best for you?
Most people have found that a soft-bristled toothbrush was the safest and most comfortable among all three.
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush without consulting your doctor thinking that it will “remove more plaque off your teeth” can lead to enamel erosion.
No matter how simple you think is the question that you have in mind, be sure that many people wonder the same thing, too. So, next time you are at your dental care provider, don’t shy away from sharing your inquiries!
Author: Dr.Nabil Mockbil from Swedish Dental Clinic Dubai Marina
