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There are a lot of things most of us would rather do than go to the dentist, but it’s just one of those things that needs to be done. How often should you go to the dentist? Ideally, every six months for a check up and cleaning, barring any problems that might come up in the meantime. But as much as we love the feeling of clean teeth, it can be a stressful (and sometimes expensive) experience, especially if you have to find a new dentist before making your appointment.
So where do you start? Here’s what you need to know before your first appointment with a new dentist or your next checkup, including what to ask your dentist when you arrive.
Note: If you are visiting a dentist during COVID-19, make sure to ask about the facility’s safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID-19 protocols as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Going to a new dentist: Here's what to ask
Finding a new dentist can be a bit stressful, but Google can be your friend — and so can sites like ZocDoc that will pair you with a dentist who takes your insurance, and sometimes even allow you to book the appointment online. Before your appointment, there are some questions you should ask.
1. Questions about costs and insurance
It’s important to make sure that your dentist definitely takes your insurance (if you have any) and ask ahead of time what costs you might incur before your visit. Depending on how your checkup goes, you may end up with other treatments recommended beyond a basic cleaning, but that cost should be discussed with you at the appointment itself.
2. What kinds of treatments are offered?
Make sure the dentist offers any treatments or procedures you know or think you will need… unless you want to find another new dentists.
When you make it to the dentist, don’t be afraid to “interview” them, especially if you think you’ll be needing a lot of dental work in the near future. It’s important to trust the person in charge of your teeth!
Teeth problems: Solving what's bothering you
If you’re going to a dentist for a specific tooth issue, obviously, that will be at the forefront of your mind, and asking the right questions can help you get the help you need from your dentist.
3. What teeth problems you’re facing
Know for sure that you’ve lost a filling or cracked a tooth? Dealing with pain every time you drink something hot? This is something your dentist will have answers about, and they can also help recommend what to take for tooth pain in the meantime.
4. Problems with your gums
According to the CDC, more than 47% of adults over 30 have some kind of periodontal disease like gingivitis, so keeping your gums healthy is of utmost importance. If your gums are swollen or your gums bleed when you brush and floss, that’s definitely something to bring up.
5. Ask about other relevant symptoms you may be facing
Many health issues can be diagnosed based on what’s going on in your mouth, so by being fully open with your dentist, you may be able to catch an issue early.
“The mouth is the window to the body,” New Jersey dentist Dr. David Silverstrom told Prevention. “Often, diseases like cancer, anemia, and diabetes will first be identified by the dentist in a regular examination, and this saves lives.”
6. What dental treatments do you need?
After your checkup is complete, it’s good to be on the same page about treatments going forward, including the costs and a timeline.
7. Will you need prophylaxis before treatment?
A dental prophylaxis is just a fancy term for an X-ray, a thorough cleaning, and polishing. Some treatments will require this kind of procedure before going forward, so it’s important to ask.
How to improve oral health
A big part of going to the dentist? Finding out how you can spend less time in that chair and keep your teeth healthy! It’s a great time to ask questions about what you should do going forward, including dental hygiene tips.
8. How to floss your teeth
This topic seems pretty simple, but a lot of us are probably flossing the wrong way — and as your dentist is sure to point out, it’s important to get this step right.
9. How to brush your teeth
Again, seems like a no-brainer… but your dentist might be able to recommend the right type of toothbrush, mouthwash, toothpaste — and the correct technique — that will work perfectly for you and your goals for your teeth.
10. How to change your behavior going forward
This might mean recommending you the best foods for dental health, or making an appointment for whitening — whatever it is, your dentist’s job is to help.
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. You’re doing something positive for yourself, and the bonus — it can actually be a nice, kid-free break for those of us who need one.
“I actually look forward to the dentist because it’s one of the few times I am ever entirely kid-free for up to a whole hour in the daytime, which means no one is pulling on my pants leg, poking my back, or pinching my face,” Meredith C. Caroll previously wrote for Mom.com.
Sounds convincing enough!
