Common Questions from the Dentist
It's important that you provide your dentist and hygienist with all the information they need to recommend the right treatment and advice during your visit. Here are a few questions you may get and why your dentist needs to know the answers.
What kind of toothpaste do you use?
Depending on your personal preference or conditions, your dentist may recommend a specially formulated toothpaste, for example, one that provides whitening or tartar control.
What is your current oral hygiene routine?
Your answers to this question help your dentist provide helpful tips or recommend new products to address specific concerns.
What are your lifestyle habits?
Sugary foods and drinks, a poor diet, or smoking can all have an adverse effect on your teeth, gums and breath. Your dentist will want to know about these habits in order to provide recommendations for how to limit their effects on your oral health.
Do you have any medical conditions?
Certain conditions, such as diabetes, can present potential dental health problems, including infections of the mouth, salivary gland dysfunction and tooth decay. It’s important that your dentist be aware of these conditions so he or she can be on the look out for potential signs of disease.
What medications are you taking?
Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and high blood pressure medications can impact your oral health and potentially complicate certain treatments.
Do you have any problems or concerns regarding your oral health?
Your visit to the dentist is your opportunity to talk about any questions or concerns you have. Don’t be afraid to ask — early detection allows most conditions to be treated and reversed.