No matter your age, dental health should remain a top priority. Even though it is common knowledge that regular dentist visits are a must, there is still a large percentage of people who neglect this important practice. Sadly, one of the biggest reasons for poor dental care is lack of information. When there is lack of awareness about the importance of dental hygiene, it becomes less significant and people have a tendency to get lazy.
If you’ve been having issues about an upcoming dental check up, you might want to read on below. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about dental visits to help you clear your mind:
Are regular dental visits necessary?
Yes. Regular visits to your dentist are important to ensure your dental health is in tiptop condition. Aside from having a well-maintained healthy smile, regular dentist visits can also prevent other more serious ailments.
How often should I see my dentist?
Ideally, you should have your teeth checked and cleaned every six months. However, it would really depend on the current state of your oral health. Some patients, who are more prone to develop decay, might require more visits for prevention.
I don’t see any symptoms. Do I still need to see a dentist?
Yes. Dental health is quite tricky because some symptoms might not be instantly obvious. The only way you can be sure is when a professional has properly assessed your teeth.
What are other dental signs that I should watch out for?
Some of the most common signs that it’s time for a dentist visit include:
- Bleeding and sensitive gums.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Pain or swelling inside the mouth or around the face and neck areas.
- Dry mouth.
- Difficulty when chewing or swallowing food.
- Popping jaw that can be uncomfortable or painful.
- Sore spots in gum area.
- Uneven smile or bite.
- Cracked tooth.
- Broken fillings, crowns or implants.
What happens during a dental checkup?
The visit usually starts with a quick assessment of your medical history. Then, your teeth, tongue, gum and mouth will be thoroughly examined by a dentist and a hygienist. In some cases, x-rays may be needed to get a more comprehensive look at your teeth. After the evaluations, a treatment plan will be provided.
How do I find the right dentist?
Finding the right dentist that will fit your requirements perfectly can be a challenge but this is very important. You will be entrusting your oral health to this professional, so it is just right that you feel comfortable with your choice.
Here are some elements to consider when choosing a dentist:
- The location of the dental clinic.
- Schedule or availability of the dentist.
- Charge rate or fees for the treatments.
- Range of treatments and services available in the clinic.
- Professionalism, courteousness of staff and doctors.
- Experience and accreditation of the clinic and dentists.
- ADA membership of the practicing dentists.
What is the difference between a ‘DDS’ and ‘DMD’?
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD means Doctor of Dental Medicine. These labels specify that the dentists got their degrees from an accredited dental school and they have finished the required clinical training as well as national exams.
How do I keep my smile healthy?
When you have found yourself a dentist that passes your standards, it is important that you work with them to achieve optimal results. Build a kind of relationship that allows you to give full trust to your dentist. The key to a healthy smile is continuous care and healthy habits. As long as you follow your daily teeth-cleaning regimen and do regular dentist visits, getting that zero-cavity healthy smile is attainable.
