At a patient-first dental practice such as Smilessence, patient education is a topmost priority. We have a team of friendly and competent dentists who are always willing to answer patients’ questions and concerns, after all, we know well that being armed with knowledge and putting into practice our recommendations is a patient’s best chance at enjoying healthy teeth and function for life.

Most patients only ask questions when considering a particular treatment such as orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry but these are not the only occasions when asking questions is a good idea. The routine dental check-up appointment, as a case in point, is a golden opportunity to pose questions to our highly knowledgeable dentist in Molesey.

Our dentist in Molesey will have many questions to ask the patient throughout the course of the oral examination but we also welcome any questions a patient may have for us. Over the years in the practice of dentistry, we have been asked many common questions and the answers to which, we believe, provide patients with essential information on how to best take care of their dental health between in-clinic visits. Here are a few questions to ask on your next visit to our dentist in Molesey.

Questions to ask to understand your oral health better

• Why do I need to have my teeth professionally cleaned?

Many patients make the mistake of thinking that all they need to do to keep their mouths clean is to brush their teeth twice a day but as beneficial as this is, many times it is not enough. Patients may employ ineffective techniques to bush or floss which leaves a path open for bad bacteria to accumulate and plaque to form on teeth. Professional dental cleaning makes use of specialised tools that allow a dental practitioner to target those hard to reach areas of the mouth to get rid of bad bacteria and resistant plaque deposits.

• How can I take better care of my teeth?

Taking care of one’s teeth is a multi-pronged approach and there is much more a patient can do in addition to daily brushing and flossing. A patient can also look to a teeth-friendly diet as there are many types of food and beverages that put teeth at risk of decay. These are mostly sugar-rich foods like sweet treats and soft drinks. Teeth are also at risk when too acidic foods and drinks are consumed. Our dental practitioner can best advise more on foods to limit and what to eat more of.

• Do I need to have my teeth straightened?

This question is not all about aesthetics but concerns teeth health as well. If misalignment is causing difficulties when brushing or flossing, this is a real concern and orthodontic treatment is required to help a patient take better control of their at-home oral hygiene practice.

• Why do I need regular check-up appointments?

A patient may feel that because they don’t experience a toothache, tooth sensitivity or any of the other worrying symptoms that they do not need to see a dental practitioner. Dental practitioners schedule these appointments as they remain the ONLY reliable way to know for certain that there are no potential dental issues lurking about out of sight. These visits can also be lifesaving such as when a dentist conducts screenings for mouth cancer.

To arrange a dental check-up with a compassionate and caring dentist, please get in touch with our front desk team at Smilessence.