To make your next appointment with us easier, here are 10 things we think you ought to know before your next visit.
1.X-Rays don’t cause cancer.
Despite what you may hear, getting your X-Ray done at the dentist (or at the hospital for that matter) won’t give you cancer. Truthfully, you’re only being exposed to the rays for a very, very brief period of time. One X-Ray session is typically the equivalent to being out in the sun for an hour.1
2. Pulling teeth is easier than you think.
Another bad myth that goes around about dentists is the pulling the tooth myth. You know the saying; “[insert really bad experience here] was like getting my tooth pulled!”. It may be terrible if you use your door to pull out your teeth, but dentists use local anesthesia to make it painless, and dentists have had lots of practice in making the procedure quick.
3. Bleeding gums should not be hidden.
Please do not hide any dental health concerns from your dentist. These are nothing to be ashamed of, and if you try to conceal them from us then you may end up suffering more in the long run. Bleeding gums are no exception. It is usually a sign of periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gums. In some cases, you could lose your teeth! Since we like that smile, we would appreciate you telling us if your gums are bleeding at your next visit.
4. Bring your dental records.
If you have any records from other dental offices, it would be a huge help for us to be able to view those records. They help us understand what’s been done to your teeth in the past, if you have any current conditions, and if you need any work done at your next appointment!
5. Know what’s in your water.
It’s very common nowadays for water to have fluoride in it. If your water does or does not have fluoride, just quickly let us know because if it doesn’t we may want to recommend that you use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing your teeth.
6. Talk openly with your dentist.
Some people feel the need to hide their dental problems from us, which is confusing because we’re here to help you! It’s best that our patients practice full disclosure with us so that we can quickly fix any problems that you may be having with your teeth.
7. Swap that toothbrush out for a new one.
A good regular practice to get into is swapping out your toothbrush every 3 months. Old toothbrushes can build up residue from brushing your teeth and eventually it perform as effectively as when you first purchased it.
8. Eating properly is good for your dental health
If you limit your sugar intake from pop, chocolate, candy, and other sugary substances then you can greatly reduce the risk of getting cavities. It’s amazing what simply eating healthy can do for your teeth.3
9. Brush twice a day!
We’re constantly surprised how many people still don’t brush their teeth twice a day! The best way to keep your mouth clean everyday is to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and then following up with mouthwash.
10. Have a question? Write it down.
We’re always happy to talk to our patients! If you have a question for any one of our staff then please do not hesitate to ask away!
Sources: SlideShare, Contempory Dentist Article, Reader’s Digest
