The Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist

When you visit your dentist at Sheppard Yorkland Dental in North York, there are certain questions you should ask to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your oral health care.

1. How often should I visit?

Your dentist will be able to tell you exactly how frequently you need to visit for a dental cleaning and checkup, depending on your needs. While some people can get away with visiting once or twice a year, others need more frequent appointments.

Your dentist has the expertise and the familiarity with your oral health required to tell you how many visits a year are right for you.

2. How can I practice good oral hygiene at home?

Your dentist and hygienist will always be happy to hear this question! At-home dental care is very important for life-long oral health, and your dentist and hygienist are a great resource for advice and tips on your brushing and flossing routine.

Depending on your needs, they may offer up brushing and flossing tips or dietary advice, suggest avoiding smoking, or suggest using fluoride products, among other things.

3. How do I prevent cavities?

Cavities develop as a result of eating lots of sugary foods, in combination with a suboptimal oral hygiene routine. Your dentist can help you determine if you can make improvements in these areas, and make sure that there are no cavities currently developing.

4. How do I prevent gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and you’ll find your dentist is just as concerned with preventing this as with preventing cavities.

Many of the steps required to prevent gum disease are the same as those required to prevent cavities, so discuss this question in conjunction with the one above.

5. My teeth are sensitive. What can I do?

If you have sensitive teeth, it can have a significant, negative impact on your comfort day to day. Your dentist can help you pinpoint the reason that your teeth are sensitive, and help you find a solution that works for you.

6. How can I improve the whiteness of my teeth?

If you think your teeth are looking a bit discoloured, your dentist can suggest a variety of solutions, depending on your needs.

These could be lifestyle changes, like limiting dark-coloured drinks or quitting smoking, or they may suggest trying an electric toothbrush to polish away surface stains. They may also suggest cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or dental veneers.

7. Do you have any recommendations for my diet?

Your dentist can tell a lot about your diet by looking at your teeth and gums. For instance, your dentist can tell if you’re eating too much sugar or acidic food, or if you’re not getting enough vitamin C. They may make suggestions on how to improve your diet and limit sugar consumption for better oral health.

8. Is there anything I should tell my family doctor about my dental health?

Oral health is linked to many other bodily health conditions, and your dentist may find signs or symptoms of non-oral diseases in your mouth. Your dentist may also find evidence of side effects from drugs you might be taking. In either case, you’ll want to talk to your family doctor about it.

9. Is there any evidence of teeth grinding or clenching?

Some people suffer from a condition called bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding) during sleep, but may not be aware of it. Ask your dentist if you have any wear on your teeth that may indicate bruxism, and if so, how you might treat it.

10. If I ever need it, does your practice offer same-day emergency treatment?

Dental emergencies never occur at a convenient time, and usually not when you already just so happen to have a dental appointment scheduled that day! If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the team at Sheppard Yorkland Dental in North York will make room in the office schedule to see you.