Making a dental appointment shouldn’t be just about getting your teeth cleaned or cavities treated. A check-up is essential in preventive dental care and where the dentist Maspeth NY assesses the overall condition of your gums and mouth. You should visit a dentist at least once every six months even if you do not have any obvious problems. With this in mind, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your next dental visit is as successful and as valuable as possible.
List your concerns before the visit
Write down any questions you might have for the dentist to ensure that you do not forget them on your next visit. Some of the important problems to note include pain or sensitivity, bleeding when brushing, mouth sores that do not heal normally, grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw and problems with brushing or flossing. These problems indicate issues with your dental health. Discussing these with the dentist will help him make a better assessment. Dentists at Jackson Heights Dental appreciate this kind of initiative so do not be afraid to share your concerns or questions with your dentist.
Update your medical history
It is essential that your dentist has your complete medical history to be able to make an accurate assessment or recommend a course of treatment. Medical conditions including diabetes can seriously affect the health of your teeth and gums. Similarly, certain existing medical conditions can cause dry mouth thus increasing the risk of cavities. Tell your dentist Maspeth NY about any new developments in your overall health since the last visit. The dentist is better able to provide you with personalized care if he has full disclosure on your overall health.
Detail any vitamins and supplements you take
Some dietary supplements have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bleeding during a dental procedure. Certain medications for depression, high blood pressure and allergies can cause dry mouth and makes gum problems and tooth decay more likely. It is therefore important that your family dentist is fully aware of any prescription drugs or supplements you are on.
Be open about your finances
It is easy to put off dental visits in the case of strained household budgets. Postponing your visit can lead to more serious and more expensive problems in the future compared to the preventive care you receive. Speak to the dentist about extended payment plans or low-cost options if you are having problems paying for dental care. It is also worth asking if you are paying extra for additional services such as dentist open Sundays.
Ask what you can do better
Lastly, advances in dental products make oral hygiene more effective and easier. A good dentist has good knowledge about new research on the best ways to achieve healthy gums and teeth. Ask about what else you can do to improve your oral health.
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