How to make the most of your dental exam

Everyone seems to know that regular dental visits are important for maintaining optimal oral — and overall — health. But what many people don’t know is that there are different things dental professionals look for, depending on a patient’s age. So, to make the most of your trip to Huszti Dental Care, adults should take these few steps.

To begin with, everyone who sits in a dentist’s chair should bring with them a list of medications they are taking along with the dosage, and a list of any medical conditions they have. They should be prepared to be honest when asked “do you smoke or use other tobacco?” or any other questions. Our health care professionals aren’t judging you, they simply need the information to do a thorough examination.

Also, come with a list of questions you may have: Are your teeth becoming sensitive to heat or cold? Are they discoloring? Do you have any pain when chewing? None of these may be serious, but you won’t know until you ask our experts.

For adults under 40

Many people are in the best health of their lives at this stage, but there are concerns, big and small, that can affect your health down the line.

·      Though you may be in good health, you may also be under a lot of stress from family and work and you may not even realize it. For many people, this stress comes out when they are asleep, in the form of grinding teeth. The Huszti Dental Care team knows the signs of this condition, called bruxism, and knows the many ways to treat it. 

·      Inflamed gums can be a sign of gum disease which, if left untreated, can destroy the tissue and bone, which leads to tooth loss. If caught at its earliest stage, gum disease can be reversed. It may mean brushing differently, more completely, or adding floss or a medicated mouthwash to your daily routine.

Adults ages 40-60

In addition to the two concerns listed above, these are the conditions common to people in this age group.

·      Missing teeth are very common for people as they age, and there are many ways and reasons to correct this situation.

·      Mouth or throat cancer rears its ugly head at this time of life, which is why the Huszti Dental Care team looks not only at the teeth and gums, but also the inside of the cheeks, your tongue and lips, too. Anything suspicious will be thoroughly examined.

·      Dry mouth may be a problem at this stage in life. Saliva is necessary to proper oral health, but some health issues, or medication can lead to a dry mouth. 

Most important, as mentioned earlier, be sure you raise any issues you may have. Our doctors and hygienists work with you to ensure your health is the best it can be.