Visits with a dentist aren’t just for cavities and teeth cleaning  or a rotten tooth anymore these days. During a check-up, your dental hygienist and dentist assess the overall health of your mouth and gums. A dentist check-up is an essential part of preventive care. Find yourself the right dentist from icareheal whenever required and go for an appointment. Here are some ways to get more out of your next visit to the dentist.

1. Make a Checklist of Questions or Concerns

Prepare your questions you’d like to ask your dentist or hygienist. Be sure to mention any of the following problems:

• Bleeding when you brush: Bleeding is a common symptom of gum disease. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
• Pain or sensitivity: Tooth pain or unusual sensitivity when biting down or eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cracked tooth, broken fillings, or cavities.
• Sores inside your mouth that don’t heal normally: Sores that don’t heal may be an early warning sign of oral cancer. Early detection is crucial to find oral cancer when it’s more easily treated.
• Problems with flossing or brushing: A jagged tooth or broken filling can make it difficult to floss. Arthritis or other medical conditions may make it hard to brush.
• Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth: Many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth, especially at night. Over time, grinding and clenching can wear teeth down, damaging the enamel and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Talk to your dentist if you think you grind your teeth.

2. Update Your Medical History

Make sure your dentist and dental hygienist know your complete medical history. Common conditions like diabetes can affect the health of your gums and teeth. Some medical problems can lead to dry mouth, which increases your risk of cavities. Alert your dentist to any changes in your health since your previous visit. The more your dentist knows about your overall health, the better able he or she will be to give you care according to your requirements.

3. List All Medicines, Vitamins, and Supplements You Take:

Certain prescription drugs for allergies, high blood pressure, or depression can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Some medications and dietary supplements can thin your blood, increasing the risk of bleeding when you have dental work done. It’s very important for your dentist to know about all the pills you take, including supplements that you may not think of as serious medicine.

4. If Money Is Tight, Ask About Low-Cost Options

When household budgets are strained, some people put off dental visits. That can lead to problems that are far more expensive than preventive care. If you are having trouble paying for dental care, talk to your dentist about low-cost options or extended payment plans.

5. Find Out What You Can Do Better

The field of dental health is constantly changing. New products continue to come along that make oral hygiene easier and more effective. New research provides insights into the best ways to keep teeth and gums healthy. Ask your dentist about anything you should be doing to improve your oral health.

How to verify your dentist’s credibility?

Board certification is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing a dentist. It tells you that the dentist has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide healthcare in general dentistry. Also confirm that the dentist has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the dentist’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

How Does the Dentist Check for Cavities?

During your visit, the dentist carefully looks for cavities. You may also have X-rays, or pictures, taken of your teeth. X-rays are like superhuman vision. They can show cavities hiding between your teeth and problems beneath your gums.

It does not hurt to get an X-ray and it takes only a few seconds. The dental hygienist will place a thick blanket over your chest (to protect your body from the high-energy waves) and put a piece of plastic (that holds the X-ray film) into your mouth. As you gently bite down on the plastic, you’ll have to be very still for a few seconds while the dental hygienist snaps the picture.

The dentist will take a good look at all of your teeth and check your gums to make sure they’re strong and healthy. The dentist will also check the way your top and bottom teeth work together and its functionality. This is called your bite. If there might be a problem with your bite, you may be referred to an orthodontist. This is a doctor who specialises in correcting the shape or positions of all your teeth through orthodontia, or braces. There’s nothing to be afraid of, it’s an absolutely hasslefree treatment

The dentist will study your X-rays (looking for cavities or other problems) and ask if you have any questions about your teeth. Your dentist may also prescribe fluoride drops or tablets for you to take every day at home.