5 Questions you Should ask at your Next Dental Checkup

Louisville, KY

Having a dentist that you can trust is vital to your oral health. Part of building trust is communication. You should feel comfortable to discuss any concerns with your dentist, and ask them questions. If you come to each dental checkup with questions, you’ll get more out of these appointments. To help, your Kentuckiana dentists at Exceptional Dentistry came up with this list of five questions you should ask at your next checkup.

Why do my teeth get sensitive?

A hot cup of coffee, a bowl of ice cream as a sweet treat and even a cold gust of wind. Any of these can trigger a sudden twinge of sensitivity in your teeth. Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold can be a sign of a dental issue. The first course of action is to switch to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.

If the issue continues, though, the root cause could be:

• Receding gums
• Damaged or broken fillings
• Cracked, broken or fractured teeth
• Receding gums
• Damage to your tooth enamel

If the issue continues, you definitely should reach out to your dentist in Louisville and make an appointment.

How should I take care of my teeth at home?

Each of us should follow the oral care regimen advised by the American Dental Association.

That includes:

• Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Changing your toothbrush every three to four months as the bristles wear down
• We also advise eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of raw vegetables, fresh fruit and lean proteins. Drink plenty of water and limit your consumption of sugary beverages such as soft drinks, juice and sports drinks.

What warning signs of gum disease should I look for?

Gum disease stems from a bacterial infection of your gums. It’s also one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the United States, affecting about half of American adults over the age of 30 years old, according to data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis.

Watch for the following symptoms:

• If your gums are red, tender or swollen
• If you have persistent bad breath
• If you notice bleeding from your gums when you brush and floss

It’s vital to try and detect and treat gum disease when it is still in the gingivitis stage. If left untreated, gum disease progresses to periodontitis, by which time permanent damage has been done to your teeth and mouth. At Exceptional Dentistry, we can treat gum disease with our state-of-the-art perio laser therapy.

How can I improve the appearance of my smile?

Millions of Americans are self-conscious about the way their smile looks. Are you one of them? Modern cosmetic dentistry makes it possible to transform the appearance of your smile.

Exceptional Dentistry has a wide-ranging program of cosmetic dentistry, with services that include:

• Botox
• Teeth whitening
• Invisalign
• Veneers
• Dental implants

I’m a new parent. When should my baby begin visiting the dentist? 

According to the ADA, children should start going to the dentist when their first primary tooth erupts from the gum line or when they reach their first birthday – whichever of these milestones comes first. You can establish good oral care habits even before your child starts to get their teeth. Use a warm washcloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feeding them, and once they get their teeth, use an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste until they are old enough to start brushing on their own.

Comprehensive dental care in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Shepherdsville and Louisville, Kentucky

Are you due for a dental checkup? Maybe you’ve lapsed in your schedule of regular dental visits. Now is a great time to get back on track. Exceptional Dentistry is currently accepting new patients. Schedule your consultation today by calling (502) 423-7868 or contact us online.