At Harford County Dentistry, Dr. Melissa Elliott and her team are committed to educating patients on how to improve and maintain their overall dental health. We recommend that patients visit our office once every six months for routine dental cleanings and exams.
If you have an upcoming dentist appointment, here are three questions to consider asking while sitting in the dental chair:
How can I improve my dental hygiene?
Your dental cleaning will be performed by one of our amazing dental hygienists. They will be able to get a good view of the current state of your dental health. During your dental cleaning, they can point out areas that they are noticing more plaque and tartar buildup than other places.
This is a good indication that you are missing those areas when performing your at-home oral hygiene routine. By taking note of these problem areas, you can know to go back and thoroughly brush and floss those areas when performing your daily routine.
Your dental hygienist can also offer advice on how to properly use an electronic toothbrush, how to correctly floss your teeth, and what ingredients to look for when buying toothpaste or mouthwash.
What are the treatment options for my dental concerns?
You should discuss any dental concerns you have during your routine dental exam. Any symptoms that you’ve experienced outside of the dentist’s office should be addressed as well. Common dental concerns to alert your dentist about include bad breath, increased sensitivity, tension headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and tooth pains.
Even if the dental concern is not currently affecting your while sitting in the dental chair, it’s important for us to be informed on what you are experiencing when at home. This allows us to get a holistic view of your dental concerns and come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Do you have any cosmetic dentistry recommendations?
If you feel unconfident about your smile, mention this to your dentist as well. Cosmetic dentistry options are available to help patients achieve their dream smiles.
Our office offers Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening to help patients address aesthetic concerns. A combination of these services can create the smile makeover you need to feel excited about showing off your smile to friends and family.