Everyone knows that regular dental checkups are but a lot of time, oral health still gets neglected. Because of reasons like busy schedules, financial limitations and irrational phobias, a good percentage of adults still slough off on their dental health.
Neglecting your oral health not only ruins your smile, this can also lead to serious health problems like gum disease and heart problems. If you’ve been putting off that dentist visit for a long time, then you might want to refresh your knowledge about dental health to help clear your mind.
Here are the most common questions people have about dental visits:
1. How often should I have my teeth checked?
Dentists advise to have teeth checked and professionally cleaned once every six months. However, twice a year may not be enough for those who need more than just prophylaxis. If you have been experiencing toothaches, bite problems and gum bleeding, you might need to have more work done.
2. Do I really need to visit the dentist regularly?
Absolutely! This is a must, even if you don’t feel any pain or any symptom of problem. There are some dental problems that are not as easily detected and may not be obvious at first. The best way to know is to have a professional check and asses the state of your oral health.
3. What kind of symptoms should I watch out for?
Symptoms would differ depending on the specific dental problem and the patient. The most common ones that people experience include: bleeding or swollen gums, dry mouth, swelling in neck or face, popping jaw, cracked tooth, tooth sensitivity, broken fillings and toothaches.
4. What should I expect during a check up?
This may depend on the standard that the clinic or hospital follows but typically it all starts with a quick check of your medical background. Next, your dentist and a dental assistant will be checking on the current state of your oral health. Each tooth will be checked and your gums will be assessed too. You may be asked a couple of questions about your regular care regimen or if you feel any kind of pain. A treatment plan will be made depending on your specific case.
5. How can I find the right dentist for me?
One of the most important elements in your journey to getting that perfect smile is the right dentist. This is especially important for those who have a fear of dentists. You would need a professional that you can trust and who will be patient with you. When finding a dentist, consider these factors:
ADA membership, experience and accreditation of the dentist.
Location of the clinic.
Rate of the treatments.
Range of the treatments being offered.
Professionalism and courteousness of the dentists and the staff.
6. What’s the difference between DMD and DDS?
You’ve probably noticed that suffix attached to your dentist’s name. DDS is the abbreviation for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Contrary to what you may think, there is actually no difference! These doctors received the same kind of training but the degrees are called differently by universities.
7. What’s the secret to a healthy smile?
The key to maintaining a healthy smile is to adapt a healthy dental care routine. Once you have made a decision and picked out a dentist, work closely with them to create the right dental treatment for you. Make the commitment of prioritizing your oral health even if your schedule gets busy. Stick to your daily teeth-cleaning routine and you will get that winning smile you’ve always wanted.
