Things To Tell Your Dentist About During A Checkup

Posted on: 21 March 2019

When you visit your family dentist for your routine cleaning and examination, it's a good time to let your dentist know about any problems you've had since your last visit. Your dentist can tell a surprising number of things about you and your health by looking at the condition of your teeth and gums. Still, you'll want to let your dentist know about concerns you have, such as the ones below.

Your Partner Complains You Grind Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth at night can lead to dental problems. If you've been under a lot of stress recently, your grinding problem may be new. In fact, you may not even know you grind your teeth until your partner complains about the noise. By letting your dentist know about your problem early, you might be able to avoid damage to your teeth. Your dentist might recommend wearing an oral device at night while you sleep so you grind against the soft plastic instead of your enamel.

Your Dentures Bother You Too Much To Wear

If your dentures or partials don't fit correctly and your gums are sore, your dentist may be able to tell by the signs of gum irritation. However, if you don't wear your dentures because they bother you, the irritation might not be present. Be sure to let your dentist know if you have trouble with your dentures. They can be adjusted for a better fit. 

Your Gums Bleed When You Brush

Bleeding is an early indication of gum disease. If gum disease is caught early, it can often be reversed by a deep cleaning procedure and good oral hygiene. Your dentist will want to know if your gums ever bleed when you brush, and he or she may ask you about bleeding if your gums seem inflamed during the examination. If you notice an excess of blood during brushing schedule an appointment with your dentist before it becomes a real problem.

Ice Cream Has Started To Hurt Your Teeth

If you're beginning to get sensitive teeth, be sure to tell your dentist so you can learn how to increase your comfort. Your dentist might recommend fluoride treatments or desensitizing toothpaste to help your condition. Sometimes a dental treatment, such as bonding, might be needed to keep you from experiencing pain when you eat or drink.

Pain from cold foods could also be from a cavity, so you should let your dentist know if you're having pain anywhere in your mouth. However, your dentist will probably spot early signs of decay before you experience pain. By working with your dentist to stay on top of problems when they're minor, you can often prevent the need for expensive dental treatments like fillings and root canals.

Share