Dental Patient with Checklist for Dentist

A Dental Checklist for Your Next Visit to the Dentist

If you’re like most people, you don’t look forward to dental visits and want to get the most out of every visit. Trips to the dentist mean much more than just a regular cleaning or a quick check for cavities. They are an essential part of your oral health.

Bring a List of Questions

Make a careful list of any questions you have for the dentist. Your dentist will be happy to answer your questions about teeth, gums, sinus pain versus tooth pain, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and other tooth-related topics. Don’t just depend on what you can find with a quick Google search.

Make a List of Issues and Concerns

Have your teeth become sensitive to cold? Does your jaw click? Is there an individual tooth that hurts? Make a list of all these concerns and don’t leave until you’ve discussed them with your dentist. You won’t get all your problems and concerns taken care of in a single visit, but you can get a plan of treatment set up to address them.

There are certain things you do need to mention to your dentist. They can indicate something that can easily be taken care of or, perhaps, a more serious problem that needs attention right away.

Inform your dentist if any of the following apply to you:

Bleeding gums
Sores in the mouth that do not heal
Sensitivity or pain
Clenching your jaws
Grinding your teeth
Problems with brushing or flossing

Again, if you have any of these problems make sure to mention it to your dentist, or contact our team at West U Family Dental if you don’t currently have a dental provider, and we’ll be happy to help you with these dental issues.

Tell Your Dentist About Health Changes

Let your dentist know about any changes in your health or new medications that you may be taking. Overall health is tied to your oral health, and certain diseases can affect your teeth also. For example, diabetes can have a major impact on your gums and teeth. There are also some medications that have side-effects which can impact the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. One of the more common side effects that affect oral health is dry mouth, which your dentist can assist with. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause serious complications. You should also provide your dentist with a list of all medications (prescription and over the counter) and supplements that you take.

Depending on the condition of your overall health and medications, new or different treatment plans may be developed for you.

Call West U Family Dental Today

Whatever the condition of your teeth or your dental needs, West U Family is ready to help! Call us today to make an appointment. And if you want to get the most out of your dental visit, we suggest you have this information with you when you come for your visit:

Any questions you have
Issues and concerns (e.g., tooth pain, sensitivity, bleeding gums)
Health changes, including new medications
List of all medications and supplements

When you go to the dentist prepared, you will have a much more profitable visit and better oral health. Let West U family dental keep your teeth healthy and your smile stunning!