When the average person visits the general dentist and is asked for questions, he or she likely pauses and cannot think of anything. This is a true shame as there are plenty of important subjects every patient should discuss with his or her general dentist at least once per year.
The dentist will have plenty of important insight regarding teeth whitening. Discuss everything from teeth whitening's effectiveness to safety, treatment time, cost and other options. Your dentist will inform you that teeth whitening can occur in the office or at home with a teeth whitening kit provided by the dentist. Over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions are also available.
There is a good chance your dentist will have a strong opinion on the use of mouthwash as well as the frequency at which it should be used. There are cosmetic mouthwashes that freshen the breath and help whiten teeth. There are also more balanced mouthwashes that treat gingivitis and contain an abundance of fluoride to combat cavities. Some therapeutic rinses are even developed to treat inflammation and tooth sensitivity. Dentists can also help patients obtain a prescription mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate that eliminates bacteria that spurs bleeding, the generation of plaque and other problems.
Discuss oral hygiene with your general dentist to obtain insights on everything from the best toothpaste to flossing techniques, the best order for flossing, brushing and rinsing and beyond. Your dentist will also help you obtain products that contain fluoride. He can even educate you about healthy snacking to prevent tooth decay ad gum disease.
There is a good chance your general dentist will ask to take dental x-rays. These images help the general dentist analyze and record problem spaces in as detailed of a manner as possible. The typical patient has a dental x-ray once per year. Those with a higher risk for dental caries often have dental x-rays taken every six months.
Those who have tooth sensitivity feel pain when eating or drinking items that are either very hot, cold, acidic or sweet. This occurs after the enamel on the teeth has thinned. The dentin and tooth pulp are exposed from the pressure provided by the high and low temperatures. The dentist will help you determine why your teeth are sensitive, identify the appropriate solution and implement it as soon as possible.
Ask about breakthrough dental technologies that have spilled into the mainstream. Find out about the many new oral health solutions like dental implants that can transform a smile and replace missing or damaged teeth to perfection. Your general dentist will tell you all about the latest dental tech and how the practice is implementing new developments to benefit patients.
A general dentist shared some ways to help prevent bad breath. This is a topic no one wants to discuss. Bad breath happens to everyone at one point or another. If you take proper precautions, you can avoid having bad breath. We should openly talk about this taboo topic. The more we talk about it, the…
General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…
Dentists recognize many types of toothaches. Each tooth pain carries a different intensity and meaning, and each type is caused by a different dental issue. You may not know what kind of ache you have right now. Understanding it, and getting in touch with a licensed dentist to alleviate your pain, are important steps in…
Dental professionals typically recommend visiting the general dentistry office for checkups regularly. Those who visit the dentist are less prone to developing a serious oral condition that may need extensive procedures, and that is just one of the many benefits of routine dental checkups. Continue reading to find out more about the importance of visiting…
You probably have heard of Invisalign® but might not know how it differs from traditional braces when it comes to teeth straightening. Braces have been the go-to teeth-straightening device for many years. More recently, Invisalign has gained popularity in patients with crowding or spacing issues. Because it looks so different from traditional braces, you may…
For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…