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Dental cleanings and exams should be scheduled about every six months to keep your oral health in good condition. These routine appointments are also a great opportunity to ask your family dentistry provider about the state of your teeth and how to best protect them from future problems. If you’re unsure of what to discuss during your next visit, Kemper Pond Dental in Cincinnati, OH, highlights some of the most important questions that patients should ask.

5 Questions to Ask at Your Next Family Dentistry Appointment

How Is My General Oral Health?

Whether you received a full x-ray or just had your teeth inspected, your dentist should be able to give you an update on the state of your oral health. For example, before a dental cleaning, your provider should measure your gum tissue to look for gingivitis risk. He or she may also discuss plaque and tartar buildup, decay, or infections that were detected during the exam. If you have any particular concerns, such as tooth pain, be sure to bring it up.

What Can I Do to Improve My Oral Hygiene?

family dentistryDepending on the state of your teeth, dentists can offer specific dental care tips that may go beyond the standard advice to “brush and floss twice a day.” For example, if they notice heavy plaque buildup between your back molars, your provider might recommend a flossing technique that will give you more reach. Or, if there is considerable yellow staining, they may recommend that you cut out activities that can cause the problems—such as smoking or drinking coffee.

What Treatments Are a Priority?

If there are problems with your dental health, your dentist will recommend ways to treat the problem. Since scheduling multiple treatments can be costly and inconvenient, it’s important to figure out in what order you should tackle them. For example, root canal therapy and tooth extractions should generally occur before cosmetic procedures.

Are There Any Alternatives to Treatment?

Modern dentistry affords patients a variety of options in how they care for certain problems. Whether you’re interested in teeth whitening or orthodontic care, it’s smart to find out what alternatives your dentist can offer, as well as what the benefits and drawbacks are for each option.  

Are There Any Oral Health Issues My Doctor Should Know About?

Oral health is not just limited to the mouth, as some problems can indicate potential risks with other areas of your body. For example, gum disease is frequently connected to heart health problems and should usually be brought to the attention of a doctor.

Although these questions are the essential things to ask at every appointment, there may be other aspects of dental health that you’re curious about. Making patient education a priority, Kemper Pond Dental is happy to answer any questions you may have about symptoms, treatments, or hygiene. Visit them online to learn more about the family dentistry services they offer, or call (513) 531-4069 to schedule an appointment at their Cincinnati, OH, office.

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