Common Questions Patients Ask Their Dentists

One of the most visible signs of a qualified dental professional is their eagerness to feed your curiosity and answer any questions during your visits. Clearing your doubts about dental procedures and oral health can help with dental anxiety and improve the state of your smile. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist in Clyde, NC, the most common questions patients have: how often they should check their teeth, how can they take proper care of their mouth, and how can they identify tooth decay and gum disease.

How Often Should I Get My Teeth Checked?

Oral check-ups are something nobody looks forward to, but patients are aware of how crucial these are and usually want to know how often they should get them. Dental exams and cleanings keep your mouth spotless and prevent dental problems from worsening. 

Visiting your dentist once every six months is the norm, but every mouth is unique and might require more than two controls a year. Discuss the needs of your smile with your dental professional and decide if the standard number of visits is right for you.

Which Toothbrush Should I Use?

Getting check-ups is not enough if you don’t take proper care of your teeth at home, so people also tend to ask their dentists about toothbrushes. Although everyone is different, dental professionals recommend soft-bristle brushes to most patients since these are less hard on the enamel covering your teeth. This brush also protects your gums, which can swell and bleed when you clean them frantically.

Is Flossing Important?

People with questions about their toothbrushes often want to know the answer to the age-old question: does flossing make a difference? Since this oral habit reaches corners of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t, it’s a necessary step towards a healthy smile. By removing plaque and tartar between your teeth, floss reduces the chances of contracting tooth decay or gum disease. 

Make sure to always use interdental cleaners every time after brushing and before using mouthwash.

What Are Early Signs of Tooth Decay?

When patients don’t want to know about brushes or floss, they usually have questions about how to tell if their teeth are in good shape. Tooth decay affects one in four adults in the US by severely damaging enamel and dentin and causing cavities to form. If your teeth are more sensitive than usual and you have difficulty chewing, chances are bacteria have reached deeper layers, and you should visit a dentist immediately.

Since enamel doesn’t have nerves, you won’t notice tooth decay right away, so you should book regular appointments with your dentist.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Tooth decay is not the only dental problem that sparks patients’ curiosity, as they also ask about gum or periodontal disease. Due to a lack of proper oral care, bacteria surround your gums, causing inflammation. Some early gum disease signs are bleeding after brushing your teeth, receding gums, and sensitivity.  

If any of these symptoms appear, schedule a visit to your dentist and get the condition in check.

Are You Looking for A Dentist in Clyde, NC?

Cataloochee Dental Group in Clyde, NC, is more than willing to answer your questions about oral care and dental problems to form a solid relationship that can last a lifetime. If you want top-quality attention, book an appointment today and get to know us!