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!