4 Questions Worth Asking Your Dental Hygienist

When you have questions about your oral health, your first instinct may be to ask your dentist at your next appointment. However, it's worth noting that in most cases, your dental hygienist (the one who actually takes your X-rays and cleans your teeth) is likely more familiar with your oral and dental health than your actual dentist. For this reason, you shouldn't be afraid to ask your hygienist some important questions about your dental health, where applicable.

What's Your Advice for Better Check-Ups?

Most people don't enjoy having their teeth prodded and scraped by a dental hygienist, yet very few ask their hygienists what steps they can take to make their next appointment faster and more enjoyable. Your hygienist may give you advice on how to better floss or how to reach areas of your teeth that you have been missing. As a result, your mouth will be healthier and your next cleaning will be a breeze!

What Can Be Done About a Dry Mouth?

Many people suffer from dry mouth without ever saying a word about it to their dentist or hygienist. Don't keep your mouth shut any longer! More than likely, your hygienist can make a recommendation on specific mouth wash or other solution to help increase saliva production and reduce the discomfort that comes with dry mouth. In some cases, medications can also be to blame for this, so make sure your medical information is up-to-date on any and all prescription medications you're taking.

Is This Tooth Sensitivity Normal?

Much like dry mouth, many people who suffer from tooth sensitivity think it's something they simply have to live with. This doesn't have to be the case! If you've noticed sensitivity in one or more of your teeth, speak up. Your hygienist can take a look at the area and be specifically on the lookout for signs of problems, like cavities or worn down enamel. From there, he or she may also be able to recommend remedies, such as desensitizing tooth pastes, to help you find relief.

Are There Any Potential Medication Interactions?

You might not think about it, but medications you're taking could have interactions with things you come into contact with at your dentist's office, such as anesthesia. Make sure your medications are up-to-date on your charts each time you visit. More than likely, your hygienist will ask you about this before your exam begins, but it's worth keeping in mind just in case.

Share