When you visit the dentist, they typically clean your teeth, check them over, and ask you if you have any complaints or concerns. If your teeth have not been bothering you, you may be tempted to say, "No, nothing is the matter." However, there are some conditions and factors you should bring up to your dentist at this point, which you would not expect.
1. Any new medications you are taking.
If your doctor has prescribed you a new medication, or even if you have begun taking something new that's available over the counter, you should bring it up to your dentist. This way, they can note it in your file, and they will be aware of it if you ever come in for oral surgery, a filling, or any other procedure that requires anesthesia. Medications can interact with your teeth and can affect dental procedures in ways you'd never expect, so it's important that your dentist knows about any and all medications that you take.
2. Any dietary changes you have made.
Have you decided to go vegetarian or vegan? Maybe you've given up eating dairy. If you've made any significant change in your diet, it is worth bringing up to your dentist. Although they are not nutritionists, they should be able to give you some advice for ensuring that your new diet does not hinder your oral health. For example, if you have given up dairy, they can point you towards other good sources of calcium to keep your enamel strong.
3. Migraines, headaches, and other head-related problems
If you have been suffering from migraines, headaches, or even stuffy sinuses, this is worth bringing up to your dentist. Sometimes, these problems can be related to your bite or your jaw alignment, which is something your dentist can address with a mouthguard or making small adjustments to your teeth.
4. Dental-related anxiety
Does going to the dentist make you feel nervous or anxious? Most patients assume they should just "suck it up" and not make a fuss, but this is actually something worth mentioning to your dentist. They can make accommodations to make your appointment less stressful, such as playing soothing music or scheduling your appointments for early morning. In serious cases, they may even prescribe an oral sedative for you to take an hour before your appointments.
Don't be afraid to talk to your dentist about the items above; they are there to listen. For more information and resources, visit sites such as https://valleyoakdentalgroup.com/.
Share17 May 2019
After dealing with a few root canals, I realized that it was time to take my dental hygiene a more seriously. I talked with my dentist about what I could do differently, and he was full of great suggestions that would help. He walked me through different ways to brush, floss, and take care of tartar buildup, and it was really amazing to see the difference that it made. I also started taking a fluoride supplement to strengthen my enamel. When I made it to my next appointment, my dentist was blown away with the improvement. This blog is all about improving your dental appointments by keeping your teeth healthier.
