The mouth is considered the gateway to the body, which means keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape is crucial for optimum oral health and your overall well-being. An important part of this is finding the right dentist for checkups and treatment. A dental team you trust can significantly influence your dental condition, and getting professional advice regarding your oral health concerns can be the difference between saving or losing your teeth.
If you’re not sure what to ask your new dentist, here are a few questions you could bring up during your first appointment. Open communication ensures you stay well-aware of maintaining your dental health.
Questions for Your New Dentist
From practical advice to interesting tidbits, here are some questions to ask your new dentist so you know you’re working with the right partner for your overall oral health needs. It may be helpful to jot your top questions down so you don’t forget what you want to ask.
How Often Should I Visit You for Consultations and Checkups?
Although the condition of the mouth varies from person to person, it’s standard practice to visit the dentist for periodic consultations at least once every six months. This allows us to thoroughly diagnose your mouth and check for the possible onset of infections, tartar deposits, cavities and other dental issues. Halting the spread of oral diseases at an early stage is the primary goal of preventive dentistry, and routine consultations are a must in this regard.
How Can I Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?
Though dental visits are crucial in having the teeth diagnosed professionally, maintaining ideal oral health at homeis the first line of defense against microbes in the mouth. Brushing your teeth at least twice every day and flossing daily are the best and most effective means to reduce harmful bacterial growth and prevent cavities and gum diseases. Along with daily dental hygiene practices, here are other steps that can improve your overall oral health:
- Use products containing fluoride.
- Limit the consumption of sugary foods and frequent snacking.
- Stop using tobacco and its products.
- Adhere to a balanced diet comprised of fruits and veggies.
How Can I Make My Smile Appear More Attractive?
Cosmetic dentistry is a dental specialty that seeks to improve the appearance of your smile and give you a profound sense of confidence. Depending on your unique needs, various cosmetic oral solutions are available today. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, your dentist can work with you to achieve your smile goals.
Stains on the teeth can be eliminated to give you a brighter smile with teeth whitening solutions. Chipped or naturally misshapen teeth can be reshaped appropriately with ceramic crowns, composite bonding or veneers. Missing teeth can be restored using dental bridges, implantsor dentures. The gums can be treated for infections and made to look aesthetically pleasing using gum contouring and grafting.
How Do I Prevent Cavities, Gingivitis and Other Oral Health Problems?
The two most common oral health issues are tooth decay and gum disease. Thankfully, these and other oral health problems can be prevented by following good oral hygiene at home, as mentioned above. Depending on your mouth’s unique structures, your dentist may have individualized instructions on how to protect your mouth against future problems.
Am I at Risk for Future Oral Health Concerns?
Some patients are more prone to dental problems than others. Harmful habits like smoking and teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene and even genetics all play a role in your mouth’s overall health. Your dentist can let you know if you are at a higher risk for specific dental issues. They can also offer advice on avoiding these problems if possible.
During your appointment, ask your dentist if there are any minor concerns you should keep an eye on — and what you can do to prevent those issues from getting worse. Understanding your risks can help you avoid more severe oral health problems.
What Should I Do in Case of Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly and often result in severe pain and complications. Some common dental emergencies are:
- Broken teeth.
- Chipped teeth.
- Cracked teeth.
- Avulsed teeth that have been knocked out.
- Injuries to the soft inner lining of the mouth.
- Failed restorations.
- Toothache.
- And more.
If you experience bleeding, please use a clean piece of gauze to control it. You may also place a cold pack against the cheek to reduce swelling and pain. We recommend keeping your dentist’s number handy so you can reach out to them immediately and seek their advice. Visit the dentist as soon as possible so they can provide the necessary treatment.
Are Payment Plans Available?
While dental insurance often pays for regular checkups and certain dental procedures, it doesn’t always cover everything. This factor means you may have to pay for some dental care procedures out of pocket. Thankfully, many dental practices offer payment plans or even patient discount plans to ensure you get the care you need without breaking the bank. If you’re concerned about paying for your oral health treatment, speak to your dental team about financing options.
Looking for a New Dentist in Los Gatos?
If you’re new to the South Bay Area or searching for a new dentist, you can trust the dental professionals at Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group. Our dental practice is now accepting new patients in Los Gatos, San Jose and surrounding areas. Call today, schedule an appointment online or visit our Los Gatos office to receive the dental care you deserve!
