Taking care of your pearly whites by brushing and flossing is essential if you want a healthy and beautiful smile. However, another important part of maintaining your oral health is attending your biannual dental appointments. In addition to a deep cleaning to rid your teeth of plaque and tartar, your dentist can catch any issues before they become more serious. It’s important to give your dental team a full picture of certain things regarding your dental and physical health so they can thoroughly treat your smile. Here are four things to be sure to mention!
#1. Your Daily Dental Care Routine
How often do you brush and floss your teeth? Do you use toothpaste with fluoride in it? Information provided from these questions can give your dentist insight into your risk of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Remember, your dentist is never judging you. They just want to provide high-quality service that meets your needs. If they see an opportunity for improvement, they can share special recommendations on products or techniques that will help protect your smile!
#2. Any Current Health Conditions
It’s important to let your dental team know if you have any conditions or have recently discovered a health issue. They can also impact your teeth and gums and your dentist will want to take extra precautions to keep them healthy. For example, people who have diabetes are at an increased risk for developing periodontitis, the most severe form of periodontal (gum) disease. Additionally, did you know that hypertension (high blood pressure) is the most common chronic cardiovascular health condition? Gum disease and poor oral health can raise blood pressure even more and make your medication less effective. Even chronic digestive issues can be related to your smile. Poor oral health and gut health can affect one another, especially if harmful bacteria from your mouth begin to enter your digestive tract.
#3. If You Have Bleeding, Tender, or Swollen Gums
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? This is a very common sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Other symptoms include swollen, tender, visibly red, and irritated gums. If you’re experiencing any of that, even only slightly, take the time to your dentist at the beginning of your appointment. Catching gum disease early is essential because it is very treatable! You don’t want it to worsen and risk eventually losing your pearly whites.
#4. Any Jaw Pain and Headaches
If you are experiencing any jaw or neck pain, or even regular headaches, be sure to mention it during your checkup. These symptoms could indicate a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Once your dentist is aware of your symptoms, they can evaluate your oral cavity. If needed, they can get you started on a treatment plan to provide you with prompt relief.
Updating your dentist with important information related to your smile and physical health is essential to maintain overall well-being. Keep these important facts in mind at your upcoming dental checkup!
About the Author
Dr. Ted Dunson II has been keeping the smiles of Denton whole and healthy for almost 25 years at his private practice. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is an active member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association. By staying updated on the latest dental innovations, he offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care to help you maintain optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (940) 566-4942.