What to expect from your dentist

Just like your physical health, your oral dental health is very important. If you want your teeth to remain strong and free from cavities, you must visit a dentist regularly. Do you floss your teeth daily? Do you brush your teeth at least twice a day? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then you are neglecting your oral health, and you need to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

When you visit your dentist, it is very important that you feel comfortable. Though easy may it seem, some people are terrified of going to the dentist. Most children and some adults fear the dentist’s office because they don’t know what will happen there. Parents must listen and be attentive to their children’s concerns and explain everything to them in a manner that will eradicate their fear.

That is where we come in. Today, we will tell you all the things you can expect from your dentist. That way, you will not be blindsided when you visit your dentist Brisbane.

Here are a few things that you can expect from your dentist when you go in for your dental appointment.

Evaluate your mouth thoroughly

The first thing your dentist will do is evaluate your teeth and mouth thoroughly to see if there are any signs of cavity or diseases like gingivitis or periodontal disease. If there are no signs of tooth decay or swelling in your gums, he will check for plaque buildup. Your dentist will also ask you about any potential problems that you might be having like sensitivity or toothaches. He might schedule other procedures depending on the results of the evaluation.

Check your jaw and bite

Your dentist will also check your bite and jaw to see if your teeth are properly aligned. Unaligned teeth can result in you biting your tongue, cheeks, or lips accidentally. This condition is known as the malocclusion of teeth. It causes you to have abnormal bite patters as well as tooth overcrowding. This condition is often hereditary. Your dentist may call you for a follow-up procedure and fix you up with braces to realign your teeth. There are also some bite appliances that you can get that will help fix the bite problems. You can also opt for a surgical procedure to realign and cut your jaw if the bite problems are extreme.

Teeth whitening procedures

Another thing you can expect from your dentist is the teeth whitening procedure. If you have discolored teeth, then you might benefit from this procedure. Your dentist might also use thorough cleaning to remove all the tartar from your teeth and make them free from the yellowish plaque. People who drink tea, coffee, or red wine frequently can get stains on their teeth. Smokers also have discolored teeth and can get their teeth whitened with the help of a simple procedure. Chances are you will not even have to make a second appointment. Your dentist will brighten your teeth with the help of a quality bleaching agent in just about 30 to 45 minutes. 

Possible x-rays to check for diseases

If you are visiting your dentist for the first time in a few years, or have recently switched your dentist, chances are your new dentist will ask you to get x-rays. And this will allow him to make sure that your teeth are fine, and there is no sign of cavities or tooth decay, inflammation, infection, bone loss, or gum disease.  You mustn’t do opt-out of an x-ray because you don’t have any symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay. Sometimes, the problem is not apparent but is present, and can be diagnosed with an x-ray. Early detection can save you from painful procedures as well as emergency appointments.

Ask about any existing health conditions

Did you know that your existing health conditions and medications can have an impact on your oral health? Yes, and that is why you can expect your dentist to ask about any preexisting health conditions you might have. For instance, if you have diabetes, your chances of getting a periodontal disease are increased. Similarly, certain medications can give you dry mouth, which can increase your chances of getting cavities, which can lead to tooth decay. Your dentist will give you advice on how to maintain a healthy oral routine after learning about your medical history.

Advice on healthy oral hygiene

It is one of the things no dentist can ever forget. When you go to the dentist, expect them to advise you on healthy oral hygiene. If you want your teeth to remain healthy and strong, you should brush them at least twice a day. Flossing daily is also essential for healthy teeth. Also, if you are eating something sweet or drinking soft drinks, make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly after it if you don’t have your toothbrush. That way, the bacteria do not set up camp in your teeth and cause cavities. Rinsing your teeth after drinking coffee or red wine is also recommended in the absence of a toothbrush.

Possible extra procedures

Based on your initial exam, your dentist might call you back to get additional procedures. Some of these procedures include:

• Veneers – used to cover the surface of your tooth to improve or change its appearance
• Dental implants – used to replace missing teeth
• Filling – used to restore the tooth’s strength after tooth decay. It also makes sure that the bacteria do not reenter the vulnerable part of the decayed tooth

Effects of poor dental hygiene

Poor dental hygiene can lead to many serious problems in the long run. Following are some of the effects of poor dental hygiene:

• Tooth decay
• Cavities
• Chronic bad breath
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Sores or ulcers
• Toothache
• Receding gums
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Dry mouth
• Loose teeth

How often should you visit your dentist?

It is one of the most common questions asked by people. Ideally, you should schedule a dentist appointment every six months. That way, any periodontal disease or cavities that you might have, get caught in time, and you will not have to suffer through painful procedures. A dental prophylaxis or commonly known as cleaning should be scheduled after every six months to ensure your teeth remain shiny and polished.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to expect from your dentist, are you ready to make an appointment? It is the job of the dentist to take care of your oral health. That is why you mustn’t miss an appointment and follow a healthy oral routine. Healthy teeth – help with having a good smile!