Afraid of hopping into the chair at your dentistâs office? If so, youâre not alone: researchers estimate that anywhere from 50-80% of U.S. adults have dental anxiety ranging from mild to severe.
However, the truth is that your local dentist is there to helpâand asking the right questions can make a huge difference in your oral wellness! During your visits, taking advantage of their wealth of experience and knowledge can ensure that you steer clear of procedures dealing with oral issues like tooth or gum decay.
Afraid of hopping into the chair at your dentistâs office? If so, youâre not alone: researchers estimate that anywhere from 50 to 80% of U.S. adults have dental anxiety ranging from mild to severe.
Even if you donât have questions about a specific dental worry or condition, itâs a good idea to cover your bases. Here are four questions you should ask your dentist after your next cleaning.
1. How Can I Improve My Dental Health?
During your visit, your dentist will summarize any ongoing issues with your teeth, as well as potential problems to look out for.
Now is a good time to ask what you can do during your daily brushing and flossing to take better care of your mouth. They might advise you to brush with more care in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, or to avoid pushing too hard on sensitive or receding gums, for example. Improving upon your daily habits can help you avoid future health issues.
2. How Often Should I Visit?
The most common dental recommendation for adults is to seek general dental care at least twice a year. If youâre not familiar with general dentistry information, itâs worth noting that your dentist can help with everything from cleaning to catching cavitiesâwhether or not you’ve noticed issues with your teeth!
However, if youâre dealing with gum disease, jaw pain, sensitivity, or gum issues, your dentist might recommend that you visit their office more often. This allows their team to keep an eye on developments with your condition.
3. What Tools and Products Should I Use?
Though most people use a basic toothbrush and store-bought toothpaste, thereâs a huge range of helpful products available for a range of oral conditions.
Your dentist may tell you to opt for a toothbrush with an angled head, a specific bristle pattern, or even an electric model. There are also great toothpastes for sensitive teeth, and while mouthwash wonât replace brushing or flossing, it can be a huge help with certain oral conditions.
4. Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Itâs a sad truth that dental care isnât always affordable, especially if you donât have insurance or if your plan wonât cover the procedures you need. In cases like these, itâs important to find a dentist whoâs willing to offer some kind of payment plan. Many offices offer financing, medical care credit cards, or other payment plans that can help you spread out your payments.
Reach Out to Your Local Dentist Today
Though visiting your local dentist can sometimes feel intimidating, seeking their advice can be a great way to enhance your long-term oral hygiene. Donât forget that these experts are there to help you, and that they want to answer your questions and offer peace of mind! Start searching for âdentist near meâ today to find the right provider in your area.
Looking for more health and wellness tips? Be sure to take a look at our other posts for additional advice.
