Dental fear or dental anxiety is affecting roughly 36% of the population, a 2014 report shows. This anxiety or fear can often lead to a “get in and get out” mentality. Meaning that many patients just rush through their dental appointment and don’t communicate with their dentist.

But, lack of communication can have a detrimental impact on your oral health. You may not realize it, but asking your dentist questions can help take your oral care to the next level. It can also help you avoid potential dental issues and keep them from becoming serious problems.

Here are a couple of questions to ask your dentist the next time you see them.

How long can I go without a dental cleaning?

One of the most typical dental myths is that if your teeth feel and look fine, you don’t need to see a dentist. But, that is simply not true. Dentists often suggest you get a dental cleaning every 6 months (or 2 times a year).

Frequent dental exams can help detect diseases early on and prevent serious dental complications. According to a clinical guideline, the longest period adults and children should go without a dental exam is 12 months.

Am I flossing or brushing properly?

The mouth is a gateway to good overall health. Based on a recent survey, about 22% of people admitted they would go at least 3 days without brushing their teeth. While around 28% stated they didn’t think poor dental health could trigger other health problems.

• You should be brushing your teeth 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes each time. And floss at least once a day to clean those hard-to-reach places. If you are looking for useful questions to ask your dentist, ask them how well you are brushing and flossing.

By regularly brushing and flossing, you can remove the plaque, which is known for causing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. At Jamestowne South Dental, our staff can help you learn how to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.

We can guide you through the entire process and help clear out any dental myths that could be clouding your judgment. A classic dental myth, for example, is that you can use mouthwash instead of brushing. While mouthwashes can freshen up your breath, they can’t remove the sticky plaque. So, your teeth still need a good brushing.

What do discoloration and tooth pain mean?

This is one of the most useful questions to ask your dentist. Tooth discoloration means something is interfering with the natural color of the teeth. It could be caused by bad eating habits, poor oral hygiene, illness, or something else.

Toothaches can feel different. They can be constant or come and go. Whenever you are drinking or eating especially cold or hot food, the pain sensations could become moderate or severe. Ask your dentist what it means when your tooth is in pain.

You could be dealing with tooth decay, tooth infection, injury, etc. Do an online search for a dentist near me whenever you have toothaches, or schedule an appointment right with us specifically. Our dentistry can help you find the right remedies for treating the pain.