This is the first time you are going to the dentist after all these years. Do not miss out on the opportunity to ask important dental questions from your dentist.

These answers will facilitate you in figuring out the condition of your oral health and provide you with steps to improve it.

After all, from a young age, we are encouraged to inquire and ask questions.

Why not do so to get important information for your oral health?

Keep reading this article to know about what you should be asking your dentist and how you can benefit from the answers.

oral hygiene dental questions

Dental Questions Regarding Basic Oral Hygiene

How Can I Practice Oral Hygiene at Home? 

Your daily oral hygiene routine should definitely consist of brushing and flossing teeth.

Brush your teeth twice a day with bamboo toothbrush in circular motions for whole 2 minutes.

Set a timer so that you do not stop brushing before 2 minutes are up.

Moreover, for brushing choose to use fluoride toothpaste.

This can protect your teeth from sensitivity issues.

Besides that, floss between your teeth to remove the plaque that settles in interdental spaces.

These are the necessary steps you take to practice oral hygiene.

However, there are other ways through which you can improve your oral hygiene.

This includes:

  • Eating a diet of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugar intake in your diet
  • Use a fluoride mouthwash along with toothpaste
  • Quit smoking and do not take tobacco in any form such as chewing tobacco

Benefit: Knowing and following basic oral hygiene will keep your teeth healthier for a long time, preventing cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems.

Is it Necessary to Use a Mouthwash? 

Using mouthwash is not a necessity unless your dentist tells you to use it regularly.

Your dentist may recommend you use a therapeutic rinse.

These help o get rid of oral inflammation, gingivitis and tooth sensitivity.

Moreover, these prescription mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate.

This kills the bacteria in your mouth that is behind the formation of plaque and biofilm and oral health problems such as bleeding and inflammation.

Besides these, there are cosmetic rinses.

These mainly freshen the breath and also maintain the white teeth color.

However, they may also contain fluoride so in a way they are strengthening the enamel as well.

Benefit: Using a mouthwash isn’t a necessity unless prescribed. However, it improves your oral health, so add it to your routine. 

oral health problem

Dental Questions for Oral Health Problems

Why Do My Teeth Feel Extra Sensitive? 

The sensitivity in teeth results from oral health problems such as tooth sensitivity caused by the weakening of the enamel.

As the enamel thins due to exposure to acids and extreme temperatures, the tooth’s pulp and the dentin is no longer protected.

However, that is not the only reason why your teeth may become sensitive.

Other oral health problems that can cause it include:

Benefit: If you are feeling any sharp pain while eating and drinking, consult your doctor so that you know its root cause. Your dentist may recommend anti-sensitivity mouthwashes or fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel and reduce the pain. 

How Can I Prevent Problems Such as Tooth Decay and Gum Disease? 

Prevention is better than treatment.

Around 64.7 million people in the United States have either, mild, moderate or severe gum disease.

It can immediately affect the bone and gum tissue that supports the teeth.

Hence, instead of getting extensive treatments or losing your teeth in the process, it is better to prevent it.

The same goes for tooth decay.

Before you know it, the decay will lead to a cavity and then you may require tooth fillings.

Talking to your dentist can be beneficial to know when your gums are turning unhealthy from healthy.

They will also show you how you can protect your oral health on a daily basis so that you can avoid problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

Benefit: Your doctor will tell you what to eat, how to practice an oral hygiene routine and look for the early signs of disease so that you can stop it in its tracks. These problems advance quickly, hence take guidance from your dentist. 

procedure queries

Queries Regarding Procedures

How Can My Teeth Turn Whiter? 

If you do not ask this question from the doctor, chances are you are trying shady methods to whiten your teeth.

Want to get rid of the stains and need a confidence boost?

Better to ask your dentist about it then.

The surface and intrinsic stains can occur on your teeth over time.

You can ask your dentist if home remedies for natural teeth whitening are effective.

Or should you go for OTC kits?

They may also recommend you get professional teeth whitening so that the results are long-lasting.

Though if you want a permanent solution, you can make your teeth appear whiter through veneers.

Benefit: Your doctor can highlight the pros and cons of whitening methods and what you should be following. 

When Will I Need Dental Implants?

If ever a need arises to replace missing or permanent teeth then that’s when you will require implants.

These are permanent that replace dentures to facilitate people who have a healthy mouth otherwise.

It prevents further teeth from loosening and weakening.

So, generally, older patients get the treatment.

Benefit: Knowing about dental implants can aid in avoiding other treatments that are not as helpful.

When Should I Get a Dental X-ray?

X-rays are important for doctors and patients, so they happen early on in the doctor-patient relationship.

Your dentist will advise you to get one, in the beginning, giving them an overall look into your mouth.

The bitewing X-rays are usually taken once every year and full mouth X-rays once every four to five years.

Though, if you suffer from cavities, you will require them every 6 to 18 months.

Benefit: X-rays help to identify dental caries and other problems with the mouth. Hence, know when to get them. 

dental questions for children

Dental Questions for Oral Health

Are there any specific toothbrushes and toothpaste that I should use? 

Your oral care tools are important in protecting your teeth from damage.

While a normal hard-bristled toothbrush will remove plaque from your teeth, it will still damage your gums, teeth and enamel.

There are many toothbrushes available now, however, it is important that you get a soft-bristled one.

Ask your dentist which one is best for you, electric or manual.

The same goes for toothpaste.

Your dentist can recommend options for whitening or sensitivity, whatever your concern may be.

They may also suggest going for fluoride toothpaste in general.

Benefit: Knowing the best tools will help you clean your mouth better and protect your oral health. 

When will Baby teeth fall out? 

Baby teeth will begin to fall out between ages six to eleven.

They may also start losing their teeth as late as eight years old.

These are primary teeth that usually follow the same order of falling out for every child.

However, a child’s oral health condition can determine how long their teeth would last and when they will fall out.

Benefit: Parents are prepared when they know their child’s teeth will fall out at any moment. This can help in consoling your child and maybe preparing a gift for them. 

What Foods Should I not eat? 

As there are good foods for teeth, there are bad foods as well.

Avoiding these foods can keep your oral healthy steadily good.

Therefore, you should know what foods should you at least limit if not avoid completely.

This will minimize the risk of oral health problems and promote good oral health.

Benefit: Knowing what foods are bad for your oral health will allow you to avoid them. In return, you maintain good oral hygiene. 

dental questions for dentist checkup

Queries for Dental Checkups

Should I get a Dental Checkup often? 

While every person’s dental health is different, it is best to visit your dentist after every six months.

You can also make an annual visit to the dental clinic.

This allows you to maintain your oral health by getting a professional cleaning bi-annually or annually.

Benefit: Your dental visit will help you examine how your oral health is doing. Moreover, it will clean away all the plaque and tartar you have built up. Ask your dentist when you should visit next. 

When should children begin to see a dentist? 

Your child’s first dental visit is around their first birthday.

You should take them to the dentist 6 months after their first tooth appears which usually happens to be on their birthday.

This allows your dentist to catch any potential oral health problems early on.

Hence, preventing the issues that can affect their oral health as well as well-being as the teeth keep growing.

Benefit: Getting your child’s dental checkup early will prevent oral health problems as they grow up. Ask your dentist how often and when you should visit.

asking queries

What else should you ask? 

Some symptoms and problems in the mouth signal issues with other organs of your body.

Discuss any symptoms you are facing with your dentist which could be indicating issues such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Moreover, do not hesitate to ask any dental questions as dentists are always ready to address your concerns.

By knowing the answers to the dental questions you would be able to take care of your oral health in a better way.