Problems You May Not Be Discussing With Your Dentist, But You Should
Posted on: 19 July 2016
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It's not unusual for dental patients to simply show up for their routine appointment and have their teeth cleaned and x-rayed, without actually talking to their dentist about their overall oral health or other concerns. They may assume that the dentist will notice certain problems in their mouth, if there are any, and will be the one to bring them up, or they may not realize what their dentist can do for them when it comes to their health and their teeth overall. Note a few things you might discuss with your dentist and why these can be important for you.
Snoring
You may not think that snoring is a problem for your dentist to address, but many people snore because of excessive fatty tissue on the back of their mouth's roof, or what's called the upper palate. A dentist can often remove this excess tissue with a laser so that your breathing passages are open at night. Don't underestimate the damage that can be caused by excessive snoring; your sleep can be interrupted and you can cause damage to your mouth and throat with all those vibrations that occur when you snore. Talk to your dentist about this problem and see if they can examine your throat for any such obstructions and remove them during your routine appointment.
Dry mouth
If your mouth feels dry all the time, discuss this with your dentist. Your mouth needs a healthy amount of saliva to wash away bacteria and germs and help prevent tooth decay. Your dentist may not realize that you have persistent dry mouth simply by examining your mouth, so you may need to note that to him or her. You may be using products that dry your mouth or may be dehydrated overall, and your dentist can suggest how to address this condition.
The appearance of your teeth
Don't assume that you need to visit a cosmetic dentist to have straight, white teeth, or that you'll need to wear braces for years to address crooked teeth. Your family dentist may be able to offer some type of bonding, veneer, or cap that he or she can put over your teeth to make them look straight and white. These types of treatments may take just one day or just a few short visits to perform, without needing to see an orthodontist or other specialist. If you're concerned about the appearance of your teeth and not just their health, ask your dentist what he or she can do for you.
Contact your dentist to find dental solutions to these issues and more.