If you have regular dental cleaning with a hygienist, your questions should focus on things like oral hygiene tips, preventive care options, and diet and lifestyle concerns.
#1. What Mouthwash Do You Recommend?
This is a big one for most people. There are hundreds of mouthwashes on the market. It’s better to avoid Listerine, as it is too alcoholic and harsh.
#2. What are My Options for Teeth Whitening?
There are plenty of at-home methods, teeth whitening strip kits, and professional teeth whitening services that you can focus on.
#3. What Should I Focus on Before My Next Cleaning?
Many times it’s the usual advice:
- Quit staining your teeth with coffee, tea, and soda
- Get rid of or lower your sugar consumption
- Stop smoking
- Floss daily
It’s important to ask the dental hygienist their take on what you should focus on in the meantime. Perhaps it’s inflammation of the lower gum line. In that case, start flossing more consistently every day.
#4. How Does Vaping Impact My Oral Health?
Vaping is the healthier alternative to smoking, but it still poses a risk to your oral health.
Vapes contain e-liquid ingredients like propylene glycol dry out the mouth, reducing saliva and increasing the risk of halitosis and carries.
Ask your dental hygienist what incremental changes can be made to help counteract the dental health risks of smoking or vaping. Let’s be honest here. If you’re like most people, you’re not about to quit vaping. Just like I’m not about to quit coffee.
#5. Anything Abnormal Around the Gum Line?
Ask if he/she spotted anything out of the ordinary. This could include things as benign as gum disease or as serious as a potential cancerous growth.
Treat Your Dental Appointment Like a Job
Start acting like your normal dental cleaning appointment is a job and be prepared for it. Come with a list of questions you may have. Preventative care is so much cheaper than major dental surgery in America – with or without dental insurance.
