Asking the right questions during a dental visit can be mutually beneficial for both dentist and patient. In addition to providing the dental practitioner with more insight about your dental practices, he or she will be able to provide you with the best dental care possible.
Whether you’re visiting the dentist in Montreal about your own dental health or taking your kids to do a dental check-up, there are several questions that you should ask.
This may seem like a very basic question but studies have shown that quite a few people, especially children, do not brush their teeth properly. Additionally, only half of all adults brush their tongues. If the dentist doesn’t show you or your kids while doing a routine check-up, don’t be ashamed to ask him/her the right way to do it.
You may have gone to the dentist about a specific issue or procedure, such as to get your teeth cleaned, but that does not mean everything is fine. While some dentists will routinely give you a general oral check-up regardless of why you visited their office, many will just do the requested examination or procedure and send you home. Asking about the health of your mouth will prompt the dentist to do a general check, such as for signs of wear and tear, bumps, or any abnormality with the teeth, throat, roof, or gums.
Many health conditions cause noticeable changes in the mouth. Bleeding or inflamed gums, for instance, may be a sign of diabetes, while brittle teeth could be an indicator for calcium deficiency or osteoporosis. Even bad breath could be a sign of an underlying issue. Your dentist can point out these and other symptoms, which your personal doctor can use to conduct further tests that can enlighten you about your overall health.
Based on oral issues you or your children are facing or tests that were done, your dentist should be able to provide basic information to you regarding the best types of foods to eat to support healthy teeth and gums.
While your dentist may provide a solution for the problem you or your kids came in about, you may need to pick their brain for long-term fixes. Your dentist might be aware of new technology or best practices to treat or correct certain oral issues, but they might not say anything unless you ask.
If you’re moving from one area in the city to another, you may need to find another dentist in Montreal. A caring dentist can possibly provide you with a referral for where you are going.
