Make the most of your dentist visits by asking specific questions.
If you feel your visits to the dentist office should be less routine and more informative and educational, there are some specific questions you may ask to ensure your dental health is what it should be. There are also specific recommendations that the practice should be following to prevent the spread of disease and infection from one patient to the next.
How Do You Sterilize Dental Instruments Between Patients?
Dental instruments should be heat-sterilized between patients.
The response your dentist provides to this question will help you to determine if the practice is in compliance with the recommendations of the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention. Any instrument that comes in contact with a patient's oral tissue should be heat-sterilized before being used on another patient. Don't risk contracting a disease or infection by assuming your dental practice is taking all the necessary precautions.
What Can I Do To Improve My Dental Health?
Brushing teeth is one of several ways to improve dental health.
If your dentist visits have just been a series of regular cleanings, don't be afraid to ask your dentist what you can do to improve your dental health on your next visit. Most dental offices have sophisticated technologies to diagnose a variety of problems and can make recommendations to patients to help them maintain or improve their dental health. Your dentist should have no problem advising you of things you can do to improve or maintain your oral health, whether it's switching to a less abrasive brand of toothpaste or using more fluoride to strengthen enamel.
What Can You Do To Improve My Dental Health?
A night guard may be recommended for patients who grind their teeth.
Dentists will generally provide you with recommendations on treatments for specific problems and notify you of new technologies when they emerge. Don't be afraid to ask your dentist what he can do to improve your dental health. Your dentist should take this as a sign that you are committed to your oral health and provide you with information. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist should be able to create custom night guards for you, or recommend treatments for things like gingivitis.
What Is My Overall Dental Health Status?
Ask your dental professional for your overall dental health status.
If you want an accurate perspective on what's going on inside your mouth, you'll want to ask your dentist for your overall dental health status. If it's been some time since your last examination or you feel that there are new issues arising, your dentist can perform an examination of your mouth area and check for lumps and bumps and anything else that may be of general concern. Understanding whether you have superior or deteriorating dental health will help you determine what your next steps should be.
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