Healthy teeth and gums are an important part of general health. It’s important that you see a dentist regularly – it’s a lot easier to prevent dental problems than it is to deal with them once you’re in pain.
However, with work, family, caring responsibilities and general life getting in the way, a trip to the dentist isn’t always high up the list of priorities.
Making the visit count
Why go if you’ve not got a problem?
- A check-up at the dentist gives you the opportunity to identify potential problems that may not yet be causing you any discomfort – such as redness/irritation of your gums, toothache, a loose or broken filling, excessive plaque build-up, excessive wear.
- Your dental professional will advise on how often you should come in for a check-up based on your own circumstances, for example, the state of your teeth and gums, treatment that’s been carried out, lifestyle, etc. There’s no set interval that applies to everyone.
- You may have dental anxiety (I bookmarked https://nature.com/articles/s41415-023-5507-4 for this), have had previous bad experiences or dislike particular aspects of a dental visit. Let your dental team know so they can provide as comfortable a service as possible – there’s no prize for pretending that everything’s OK.
What should you discuss at your visit?
- Make sure you raise any dental problems you have – for example, soreness when biting down, clicking sounds from your jaw, morning headaches which could be due to teeth-clenching or grinding, red, sore or bleeding gums, excessive plaque build-up, bad breath, dry mouth.
- You may have other health issues that could be having an impact on your teeth and gums – for example, certain medicines, diabetes, smoking, reduced dexterity, pregnancy.
- Your dental team will ask questions during your check-up, but remember that you can also ask them questions too – for example, about whitening products, home remedies promoted on social media, brushing aids, filling options, the need for retainers, etc. There’s no need to worry about medical/dental terminology, just describe any concerns you have in your own words.
- Discuss any changes to your health/life circumstances that could be impacting on your teeth/gums or daily routines – for example, pregnancy, starting/stopping medication, dental implants, new dentures or false teeth, reduced dexterity, smoking/vaping, dry mouth.
- You may not necessarily know what to ask, so take this opportunity to ask what you should be doing to maintain your oral health. You might like to ask about brushing aids, how often you need to replace your toothbrush, whether you should floss, dietary advice, the impact of medical conditions such as diabetes, the impact of smoking/vaping, the impact of reduced dexterity on brushing, etc.
- Ask about any changes to your teeth/gums since your last visit. Your dental professional will probably mention any changes themselves but do ask if there’s anything you’re unsure about.
Getting ready for the visit
- Think about any questions you want to ask so you can raise them at your appointment. You might find it easier to write down any questions or concerns to show your dental professional.
- Ask how long your appointment should take and whether there’s a charge. When visiting a dental clinic like Shire Dental Centre, find out whether they accept certain health insurance cards, whether you’ll be charged upfront or asked to pay after the visit, etc.
- Make sure you’re able to get to and from the appointment. Think about who could take you, how much notice you’ll need to give, whether there’s parking, whether they can offer a home visit, whether you’ll be able to get in/out of a wheelchair, etc.
- If you’re due to have treatment, ask about alternatives and why they think a particular option is best for you, any possible side-effects, how long it will take, whether you’ll be referred to a specialist, whether you need to take any medication, whether you need to bring a list of current medication, whether you’ll be able to drive yourself home afterwards, whether you’ll need ongoing treatment/more regular check-ups, whether you’ll be able to keep your existing dentures, whether you need to have X-rays/take samples of bacteria, etc.
Looking after your teeth between visits
Maintaining good oral health
- Remember, a trip to the dentist is no replacement for good daily care of your teeth and gums. Brush twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste and clean between your teeth. It’s better to develop a simple, sustainable routine than go overboard and give up after a few days.
- You may find it useful to ask your dental professional for personalised advice on cleaning your teeth, especially if you’ve got dentures/false teeth, orthodontic braces, limited dexterity or dry mouth.
- As well as looking after your teeth and gums, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help with good oral health. Try to reduce the number of times you eat/drink sugary foods/drinks during the day.
- Ask about abrasive/whitening products. Some may not be suitable depending on the state of your teeth/gums, whether you’ve had dental work carried out or if your teeth are sensitive.
When a dental problem can’t wait
Remember that some problems shouldn’t wait for your next check-up – for example, significant swelling, bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, difficulty with breathing/swallowing. Get advice/seek urgent help if you’re unsure.
