8 Questions to Ask Your Dentist at Your Next Dental Checkup

Are you getting the most out of your regular dental checkups? 

Maximize your time in the dental chair by asking those burning dental questions. Your entire dental team — dental assistants, hygienists, and of course your dentist — has valuable knowledge to offer and would be thrilled to share some advice.

Here are a few of the favorite questions we’ve heard over the years.

1. How can I tell if my teeth are healthy?

Part of the reason for dental exams and cleanings every 6 months is to make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape. But it’s important for you to keep an eye on things during the rest of the year.

Your dentist will give you a summary of your current dental health, but don’t be shy to ask her if there are any specific signs or symptoms to watch for. A few specific details she might encourage you to watch for are...

• How your gums look and feel 

• Whether or not your gums bleed while brushing

• Any sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Loose teeth

• Pain or discomfort

Your dentist can show you examples of healthy vs. unhealthy gums and explain your risk level for the disease. She can also give you an idea of what signs to look for and how to nip any potential disease in the bud.

2. What are the signs of gum disease?

Did you know that as many as 64.7 million American adults (47.2%) have mild, moderate, or severe gum disease? 

Gum disease is a serious issue affecting your gum tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. Left untreated, this inflammatory disease can lead to tooth loss and have negative effects on your overall well being (because inflammation in one part of the body affects the rest of the body too!).

Taking time to talk to your dentist about how to prevent gum disease will ensure you’re prepared to catch any problems before they turn into larger, health-threatening issues.

Your dentist can show you examples of healthy vs. unhealthy gums and explain your risk level for the disease. She can also give you an idea of what signs to look for and how to nip any potential disease in the bud.

3. What does this (pain, sensation, discoloration) mean?

This might be obvious, but always ask your dentist about any concerns you have about your dental health. Even if your dentist doesn’t mention anything during the exam, don’t make the mistake of dismissing warning signs.

If you’re experiencing pain or other issues, your dentist wants to know about it so you can outline a treatment plan and prevent the problem from getting worse.

Remember: You and your dentist are partners — you have to work together to get the best results.

4. Should I use a water flosser?

You may have heard one of your friends mention using something called a water flosser or waterpik. These unique dental tools are becoming quite popular! But is it right for you? Ask your dentist!

A water flosser is a cleaning device that shoots a thin stream of water between your gum line to remove food and plaque. This tool is often a good choice for those with braces, dental implants, dental bridges, or who have areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean.

Like any dental health fad though, you should avoid jumping headfirst without first consulting your dentist.

5. What electric toothbrush is best?

The surge of new electric toothbrush brands on the market (like Quip, Bruush, Burst) combined with the tried and true brands (Oral-B and Sonicare) has made a lot of our patients understandably unsure of which electric toothbrush is best.

That’s what your dentist is here for! 

The dental tools you use on a daily basis have a big effect on your dental health. For example, even though hard bristled toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque and stains, they can damage your teeth and gums if you’re not careful!

Always get your dentist’s recommendation to make sure you’re using the right product for your teeth and health.

6. What type of mouthwash should I use?

Although mouthwash does not replace good brushing and flossing habits, it can be beneficial for your dental health. Using mouthwash helps freshen your breath, control bacteria, and strengthen your teeth. That said, it’s very important for you to use the right type of mouthwash and you need to use it as directed. 

If you want to incorporate a mouthwash into your daily routine, this is a great topic to bring up with your dentist. Ask whether or not mouthwash is right for you and, if so, what kind you should be using based on your specific needs. Your dentist can explain how to most benefit from your mouthwash and give you instructions for use.

Your dentist can also help you understand what potential negative side effects to be aware of. For instance, mouth sores, root sensitivity, or numbness.

7. What’s the best teeth whitening treatment?

All whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity, but over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can cause more tooth sensitivity than other professional strength products. If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, or are currently using an over-the-counter treatment, bring it up with your dentist.

Your dentist can provide information about how to keep your teeth white and outline the best teeth whitening treatment options. 

They can also give you some really great tips on how to prevent staining in the first place, including giving you advice on what foods and drinks cause the most tooth discoloration.

8. What should I do about tooth grinding and snoring?

If you’ve ever woken up in the morning with a headache or a sore jaw, one of two things could be happening:

1. You might be suffering from sleep apnea

2. You could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night

It’s also possible you’re dealing with both issues!

Both these problems are quite common but can have huge implications on your daily life, health, and overall wellness. If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea or tooth grinding/clenching (bruxism), bring it up with your dentist.

Make the most of your next dentist appointment

Asking questions during your regular checkups will help you stay in control of your dental care and help put your mind at ease about the decisions you make for your health.

At Batchelor Dentistry, we offer compassionate and high-quality care right here in Harrisonburg. We’re always accepting new patients and allow plenty of time during your visit for questions. Your dental health is our priority and we want to make sure you leave our office with the answers and information you need to maintain your beautiful smile.

Dr. Caitlin Batchelor
Dr. Caitlin Batchelor earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia. She later completed a 2-year postgraduate General Practice Residency at Wake Forest University Medical Center. Since joining this practice in 2013, Dr. Batchelor has been committed to providing individualized dental care to the specific needs and desires of her patients, taking the whole person and their unique qualities into consideration.