5 Questions to ask at your Next Dental Visit

dental questions

dental questionsServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Dental visits aren’t only a time for your dentist to check your oral health and a hygienist to give your teeth and gums a deep cleaning. They’re also a time to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have had in the six months since your last checkup at our Erwin family dentist office. We want you to make informed decisions about your oral health, and we welcome your questions. Let’s take a look today at five questions you may want to ask at your next visit with us:

  1. How is my overall oral health?

Our family dentist in Jonesborough can give you an overview of any issues noticed, including any signs of tooth decay, which are best addressed early. Our dentist can also give you an overall picture of your gum health, which is an important part of oral health. Ask our dentist if there are any signs of gum disease or inflammation in your mouth.

  1. Am I brushing and flossing correctly?

Our Greeneville family dentist can review your oral health regimen and make sure you’re brushing and flossing correctly. We can also provide guidance about techniques that will maximize effectiveness and minimize risks of dental issues.

  1. Do you see any signs of teeth grinding or clenching?

Teen grinding or clenching during sleep, also known as bruxism, can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth wear, headaches and jaw pain. Bruxism is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea — a dangerous sleep-breathing disorder characterized by snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep — and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), which is a common disorder of the jaw joints. Ask our dentist about your overall bite and if any corrective measures may be needed.

  1. Could I benefit from any other dental treatments or procedures?

Based on your dental exam or concerns you may have about the condition of your oral health, we may have suggestions for you about other treatments or procedures from which we think you may benefit. These could be elective, to address issues like crooked or gapped teeth, or they could be recommended to address existing issues or prevent future problems.

  1. What can I do to improve my oral hygiene routine?

Our dentist can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and concerns, whether that includes switching to a different toothbrush or incorporating additional oral care products into your routine.

Family dentist in Greeneville, Tennessee

At Tusculum Dental Care, we will certainly take care of any dental concerns or issues you may have, but we also want our time with you every six months to be an opportunity for you to learn how to better care for your teeth, mouth and gums. If it’s time for your checkup, give us a call at (423) 639-7575 to schedule an appointment today.