When you visit a dental office, do you only interact with the dentist themselves? The answer is probably not. There’s a whole team that supports your dentist in Topeka—and you! This includes a friendly office team as well as a thorough, detail-orientated dental hygienist.
In fact, you should take advantage of the knowledge and expertise your dental hygienist has during your dental appointments. Feel free to ask them these 3 questions the next time you visit a dental practice to optimize your oral health.
Do you see any abnormalities that could be causing my discomfort? (If you have any)
Did you schedule your dental visit because you have tooth sensitivity, dental pain, or general discomfort in your mouth? If so, your dental hygienist is one of the best people to ask if they see any changes in the mouth since your last appointment.
There are many causes to dental discomfort. It could be from the beginning stages of gum disease, the start of tooth decay, constant teeth grinding, or even clenching of the jaw when you’re stressed. If you notice any twinges of pain or feel uncomfortable about the way your teeth or gums feel, don’t ever hesitate to make an appointment or ask questions about your concerns during your appointment.
Is there anything I should report to my regular doctor?
There are many health conditions that your dentist will be able to spot even earlier than your normal doctor. How? There are several symptoms of various conditions—like diabetes or even heart disease—that can show in your mouth before anywhere else in the body.
If there is a major problem with your mouth, your hygienist will take the time to explain it to you and how it can affect the rest of your body if it’s untreated. Plus, they will also recommend that you speak to your regular doctor about it as there’s a chance that the cause isn’t related to your oral health. If you’re pregnant or if you have pre-existing conditions, then it’s especially important to communicate with both your regular doctor and your dental team.
What can I do at home to improve my dental hygiene?
A great smile isn’t maintained by visiting the dentist every 6 months. You must take care of it at home! Even if you have no serious concerns spotted during your appointment, there is always room for improvement when it comes to caring for your smile. Your hygienist would be happy to give you tips on the best modern practices to maintain your pearly whites at home.
As you can tell, your dental hygienist is just as important as any other part of our dental practice. Feel free to use them as a helpful resource when you come to visit us.
About Our Office
Here at Michel Dental, we want all of our patients—new and returning—to feel confident in our dental team. That’s why we only bring on the best of the best to join our practice. Professionals that do their best to provide high-quality dental care with helpful, friendly advice every time a patient walks through our door. Give us a call today to schedule your next visit.