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The Most Important Questions to Ask at a Dental Checkup

January 24, 2023

patient talking to their dentist

It’s recommended that most people see their dentist for a checkup biannually, which means that in any given year you probably don’t spend very much time with them.

It might be a good idea to plan ahead what you want to talk to your dentist about; that way, you can make the best use of your time. If you have a checkup coming up soon, here are some things you should ask your dentist at that appointment.

How Is My Oral Health?

The first thing you should do at your checkup is to try and get a sense of your general oral health. The benefit of talking to a professional is that they can detect problems before they arise, not after. Asking about the general state of your mouth is the best way to ensure that there aren’t any problems you have to deal with.

What Does This Pain/Stinging/Discoloration Mean?

If you’re experiencing any pain, that could be an indicator of something seriously wrong with your oral health. Even if it isn’t, the issue you’re facing could be treatable, meaning you won’t have to suffer. Your dentist can’t necessarily tell if you’re in pain, so it’s a good idea for you to bring it to their attention.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have some level of gum disease, which can mean painful gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss in extreme cases. If you don’t have gum disease, you should ask your dentist what measures you can take to prevent it. If you do, you can ask how to stop it from progressing any further.

Should I Talk to My Doctor?

Your dentist is an expert on your gums and teeth, but they’re also a medical professional with a strong understanding of how your oral health ties into the rest of your body. Your dentist is the first person who’ll be able to tell you whether an issue warrants broader medical attention, so you should ask them if it’s worth talking to your primary care provider about an issue you’re having.

By making an appointment for a checkup, you’ve already taken the first step toward great oral health. With this guide, you’ll be able to make the most out of your time with your dentist.

About Our Practice

At Vason Family Dentistry of Buckhead, we want to do everything we can to change the lives of the people in our community for the better. That’s why we work so hard to offer the highest quality of oral healthcare, giving people smiles that they’ll be happy to show off. By doing that, we believe that we can help our patients flourish in every part of their lives.

If you have any questions about routine checkups, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (404) 367-9799.