Best Advice From Silver Spring Dentists On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Visits, PART 2

Welcome to the second half of this two-part article series on how patients who are going for their scheduled check-ups can get the very most out of this time with their Silver Spring dentist. In our previous article post, Part 1 of the series, we covered the following two points:

Make a list of any and all concerns and questions you may have, making special note of tooth pain and sensitivity; funny oral sores, patches or ulcers that don’t go away; jaw pain and head aches; difficulty flossing, etc.

Take the time to provide your dentist and oral hygienist with your latest and most up-to-date medical history. This will help them provide you with the most effective, individualized care.

Let’s look at the remaining three points...

Tip # 3: Provide Your Silver Spring Dentist with a List of All Your Medications

Again, in keeping with the holistic approach to providing the best and most individualized care for patients, general dentistry professionals in Silver Spring are going to want to know what kinds of medications you take regularly. This includes supplements and vitamins. Certain prescription and chronic medications can cause “dry mouth” - an impediment of saliva production - which can leave your teeth and gums more vulnerable to infection. Anti-histamines and medications for depression and high blood pressure should be noted.

Additionally, certain supplements and medicines can cause a thinning of the blood, which may be a problem if you’re having dental work done, so be sure to tell your Silver Spring dentist if you regularly take anything, whether you think it’s important or not.

Tip # 4: Ask About Your Low-Cost Options Rather Than Avoid The Dentist

The first things that tend to suffer when monthly budgets get tight are visits to the local general dentistry office in Silver Spring. Instead of doing this, however, you should ask your dentist about any or all low cost options he or she may offer and whether they make dental financing available. It’s always better to sign up for the treatment and professional attention you need rather than delay it over a concern for finances. Most Silver Spring dentists work with medical financing companies that offer extended payment plans to facilitate prompt treatment.

Tip # 5: Get Educated!

Your dentist will be able to see from the health of your teeth and gums exactly where it is your home oral hygiene routine is lacking and how you might be able to change your daily habits to allow for better health. Now’s the time to get educated, so ask your Silver Spring dentist and oral hygienist how you can improve your dental health and whether there are any special products they recommend to help you achieve your goals, be it a new anti-bacterial mouth rinse or special cleaning implements, for example, a Waterpik™.

A Final Note

Your dentist is there to help you maintain optimal oral health and hygiene, which are inseparable from beautiful smile aesthetics. Know how to get the very most out of your annual check-ups and never be afraid to phone in an ask questions!

Best Advice From Silver Spring Dentists On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Visits, PART 1

Whether it’s been awhile since you’ve seen the dentist or you’re good about keeping those scheduled appointments, there’s always something Silver Spring residents can do to prepare for their short time in the dentist’s chair. And, as it turns out, there’s so much more to a dental check-up than getting your teeth cleaned and cavities filled! The best Silver Spring dentists take a far more holistic approach to caring for their patients, which means that they need to know a little more about your medical history and current lifestyle, which may contain risk factors for gum disease and oral cancer.

Not to fret! In this two-part article series, we will explain to you how you can best prepare for your routine check-up!

Tip # 1: Write a List of Concerns or Questions You May Have

It always happens… you end up in the doctor’s chair with a problem and forget about all the other little questions you had. Before you end up in the office of your general dentist in Silver Spring, write down a list of all the concerns or questions you may have for him or her. Consider the following:

• Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? This could be a sign of gum disease, so it’s best to mention this to your dentist.

• Have you noticed any sores, funny patches or ulcers in your mouth that never seem to heal and go away? This could be an early sign of oral cancer and early detection is crucial!

• Have you experienced any tooth pain or sensitivity when you bite down and/or drink something hot or cold? This may be a sign of broken fillings, cavities, cracked teeth, erosion of your dental enamel or gum recession.

• Have you had any problems with flossing? “Sometimes, difficulty flossing - in other words the floss gets stuck between your teeth or it comes away frayed - can be a sign of a cavity or tooth decay between the teeth. Notifying us is best,” says the Silver Spring dentist.

• Do you suffer from stiffness in the jaw, chronic headaches, a popping sound when you articulate your jaw and/or a tender jaw joint? It’s possible that you are grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw when you sleep and this could be causing you temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The general dentist will be able to offer Silver Spring residents a proper diagnosis.

So, consider all of these questions and be sure to make a list!

Tip # 2: Provide Your Dentist with Your Most Recent and Up-to-date Medical History

While you’re sitting in the waiting room, why not take a moment to update your medical history? The best Silver Spring dentists take a more holistic approach to oral healthcare, which means that illnesses and diseases in other parts of the body need to be considered, as they may have an impact upon the health of your teeth and gums. Certain illnesses and medications, for example, may cause “dry mouth”, which can lead to a greater risk of gum disease. Remember, the more your dentist knows about your health, the better equipped he or she will be to provide you with the best and most personalized care.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more advice about how you can get the most out of those scheduled appointments with your general dentist in Silver Spring, stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series.