Finding a new dentist (learn about dentistry) you can trust is easier said than done. However, it doesn’t have to be a
stressful experience. In order to find the dentist you need, you’ll need to ask yourself questions. Of
course, the questions themselves can vary from person to person. As such, the answers you get
will differ as well.
Continue reading to learn what questions to ask a new dentist (see our FAQ's).
How can I make my teeth whiter?
Nothing boosts your confidence more than having a healthy smile! A trip to the dentist can help
remove a lot of the discoloration, but you must do everything you can to maintain the results. If
you have recently switched dentists, this should be one of the first things that you ask them. Every
dentist is different and has their own advice on keeping your smile bright.
What are some ways I can practice good dental
health at home?
It’s essential that your brush at least twice a day, rinse and floss, but that’s not all you can do to
keep your teeth healthy. Always make sure to ask your new dentist for ways of having good oral
health. For example, what specific toothpaste or rinse should you be using? How many times a
week should you floss?
In addition, they may recommend things such as:
Utilizing mouth cleaning products that contain fluoride
Eating a nutritional diet filled with fruits, vegetables and other whole foods
Avoiding any foods and beverages that have copious amounts of sugar
Staying away from all products containing tobacco
What’s the point of dental x-rays?
When you go to see your new dentist for the first time, they will take a complete set of x-rays of
your teeth. Doing this helps the dentist identify any problems that need attention. In fact, many
adult dental patients have bitewing x-rays every year, unless they have a higher chance of
developing severe dental issues. Should that be the case, the patient will need a full series of x-
rays taken of their mouth every six to 18 months. make sure to ask how often you need a full set
of x-rays.
How often should I have my teeth examined?
Again, everyone is different and as such, how often you see your dentist depends on your specific
dental picture. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people to visit the
dentist at least twice a year even if they’re in perfect oral health. Scheduling biannual dental
checkup ensures that any potential dental issues are caught early and treated, if necessary.
Next Up: Is buying dental insurance worth it?
