Three Guidelines for Getting Good Results from Your Overdue Dental Appointment
Posted on: 16 November 2022
If you have been overlooking your oral health, you should consider setting up an appointment with a qualified dentist. Often, people ignore the need for a dental check-up until problems such as cavities, gum disease or injuries occur. Unfortunately, the lack of regular medical assessment can lead to the escalation of minor issues. For instance, minor gingivitis could turn into periodontitis if the disease is not detected early. Therefore, plan for your long overdue dental check-up as soon as possible. Here are some tips for getting the best outcome from your appointment.
Outline Your Concerns
You should discuss any causes for concern with your dentist during the check-up. Keep in mind that most dental problems do not cause debilitating pain from the onset. In most cases, minor symptoms indicate an underlying disease, and timely treatment will prevent consequences like tooth loss. One of the early indicators of poor health is gum bleeding. Tell your dentist if you often bleed when brushing and flossing because this indicates gum disease. Tooth sensitivity is also a sign of compromised teeth and might mean cavities, cracking or general wear. Additionally, inform your dentist if you have habits that could damage your teeth like teeth grinding.
Discuss Your Health
Your overall health could influence your dental status. Therefore, you should share the details of your medical history with your dentist. Some dental problems can be linked to systemic conditions. For example, if you have a chronic disease like diabetes, you might be more vulnerable to sores and gingivitis. Also, some medications can have side effects that increase the risk of dental problems. For example, dry mouth is a common side effect of pharmaceuticals, and it will increase the probability of a dental cavity. If your dentist knows your health status, they will customise a treatment plan for better dental health.
Consult on Oral Care
Finally, consult your dentist on the best approach to your at-home oral care. If you are struggling with maintaining good oral health or standard practices are not keeping your gums and teeth in the best condition, request a customised plan. For instance, if you have sensitive gums prone to wounds, your dentist can recommend better toothbrushes or antimicrobial rinses to prevent sores. Also, you can share your daily habits that increase your risk of dental problems. Your dentist can guide you on minimising harmful practices. For example, if you play contact sports or grind teeth at night, the specialist will customise a mouth guard for protection.
For more information, contact a local dentist.
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