3 Health Issues You May Want to Ask About at Your Next Checkup

Dentists recommend that you see them biannually for a checkup, which gives you plenty of opportunities to communicate with them about your oral health. While your dentist will obviously take the time to check you for all kinds of oral health problems, you can make their job a little easier by asking about specific concerns that you have.

Here are a few issues you could ask a dentist about at your next checkup.

Tender or Bleeding Gums

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems that there is; it’s estimated that around 50% of adults in the U.S. have gum disease to some extent. One of the earliest signs of gum disease is tender gums that bleed during brushing or flossing.

Your dentist will probably notice if your gums bleed during a routine cleaning, but it’s still worth explicitly mentioning that you’ve had this problem to your dentist.

Jaw Pain & Headaches

You might think your dentist is really only interested in your teeth, but they’re actually an expert in every part of your jaw and face. If you have noticed that your jaw hurts badly when you open or close your mouth, especially in the morning, you could potentially be grinding your teeth at night, also known as sleep bruxism.

Grinding down your teeth can have significant negative effects on your oral health and overall appearance, so it may be worth talking to your dentist about a professionally crafted nightguard to protect your teeth overnight.

New Medications

If you’re taking a new medication, it may potentially have negative effects on your oral health without you even realizing it. One of the most common ones is dry mouth, which can prevent the mouth from cleaning itself effectively. This can increase your chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay. If you’ve started any kind of new medication recently, it may be a good idea to let your dentist know.

Ultimately, your checkup is a time for you to focus on your oral health, so feel free to ask about anything that’s concerning you. Your dentist will relish the opportunity to help you get more invested in the quality of your teeth.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil is a dentist with well over 20 years of experience, and he’s learned that the best thing to do for his patients is to get to know them on a personal level and craft a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Heil received his DDS from the University of Minnesota, and he’s a current member of both the American Dental Association and the Wisconsin Dental Association.

If you have any questions about a dental checkup, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (920) 235-0320.