Since dental checkups and cleanings aren’t most people’s favorite pastime, many patients often try to get in and out of the treatment chair as quickly as possible. If this sounds all too familiar, then your dentist may be missing some valuable information pertaining to your smile! Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences on not just your oral health, but your overall wellbeing as well. To keep your dentist in the loop, here are four things you should mention at your six-month appointment.
#1. Your Daily Dental Care Routine
Do you floss daily? Does your toothpaste contain fluoride? How often do you brush? The answers to questions like these can provide your dentist with valuable insight into your risk for dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion. Don’t feel embarrassed or the need to lie either! After all, your dental team isn’t interested in passing judgment. They just want to help you have a strong, beautiful smile throughout the years.
#2. New Medications or Supplements
Initially, you might not think of providing your dentist with a list of your medications and supplements. However, doing so can benefit your oral health significantly, especially since certain medicines can directly affect your oral health. Knowing about the potential side effects, like dry mouth, beforehand can help your dentist take a proactive approach in protecting your smile.
#3. Abnormal Oral Health-Related Symptoms
All too often, patients are scared to tell their dentist about oral health-related symptoms, but your dental team is your greatest ally when it comes to the condition of your teeth and gums! Instead of keeping them in the dark, tell them about any abnormal signs, like bleeding when brushing, tender gums, or jaw pain. From there, they can help you get the treatment you need to restore your pain-free smile.
#4. COVID-19 Diagnosis or Recent Illness
From food poisoning to COVID-19, your dental team should be made aware of any recent illnesses. After all, sick day must-haves, like cough drops and fizzy soda, can wreak havoc on your smile. Plus, if you are still contagious, they can reschedule your appointment to a later date to ensure they can safely provide you with the quality dental care you deserve.
Keeping your smile in pristine condition requires you to take an active role in your oral health. The best place to start is by implementing a solid at-home dental hygiene routine and speaking openly with your dentist at your six-month appointments. So, if you are overdue for yours, make sure to get in touch with your dental team today!
About the Author
Since earning his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Bradley Mitchell has spent his days helping patients achieve healthy, happy smiles through genuinely enjoyable dentistry. He loves that being a dentist that focuses on meticulous care and premier service provides him with the opportunity to genuinely change someone’s life for the better. If you’re overdue for your six-month checkup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team via website or by phone at 405-755-2670.
