Not asking your dentist in Thorpe Bay questions is a missed opportunity to gain valuable, and most importantly, reliable information about your oral health. At Thorpe Bay Dental, we love educating patients about how to improve their oral hygiene and take better care of their teeth and gums and why it is critically vital to do so.
Many of our patients are unaware that healthy teeth and gums do so much more for their physical and mental health than just improving biting and chewing capabilities. By maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting your teeth and gums, you avoid harmful oral pathogens from entering your body where they can attack life-supporting systems such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Our dentist in Thorpe Bay encourages patients to ask more questions and learn more about the importance of their dental health and the vital role they play in maintaining it. While there are dental care interventions to treat problems, there is much you can do at home to avoid them. If you are not sure of what questions to ask our dentist in Thorpe Bay, read further for some of the common questions put to our dental professionals by our patients.
Questions patients should ask their dentist
Am I cleaning my teeth correctly?
A dentist can determine how well your brushing and flossing techniques are working by carrying out a physical examination of your mouth. Signs of plaque build-up may indicate that brushing techniques are not completely efficient. A dentist can also tell if you are brushing your teeth too hard which is also harmful and can cause tooth loss. This is the opportunity to check whether you are using the correct type of toothbrush, the correct way to hold a toothbrush and how long you should be brushing for.
How does diet affect my teeth and gums?
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good dental health. Consuming foods that are high in sugars on a regular basis increases the threat of disease-causing plaque and cavities. It is important to drink lots of water to help flush away bad bacteria in the mouth. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt help to protect tooth enamel, and crunchy fruit and vegetables can play a role in removing plaque.
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
Figuring out what a dental emergency is, presents a surprisingly common dilemma. Being in severe dental pain is a good indication that you need urgent professional dental attention, but so too is having a tooth knocked out. A knocked-out tooth does not necessarily mean that you have lost that tooth completely as these teeth can on many occasions be saved with timely intervention by a qualified dentist.
We understand that some patients do not always feel comfortable asking questions. This may be when they feel the dentist is not approachable, which is why it is important to find the right type of dentist – one who is patient, friendly and an attentive listener. At Thorpe Bay Dental, we are proud to be a patient-centred dental practice. Our patients are welcome to ask questions and address their dental concerns so that they may continue to enjoy a happy and healthy mouth and body.
Comments