11/23/2015 13:01
Dental care must be tailored to your needs to be as effective as possible. For this to be achieved, regular discussion of your past, present and future dental condition must take place. Here is what you should discuss with our Agoura Hills dentist.
Oral and Overall Health History
Past dental problems can affect future oral health and treatment, but your overall health must also be considered. If your teeth and gums are prone to problems, extra preventive treatments and more frequent check-ups may be recommended. If you are unusually resistant to dental problems, you may not need check-ups as often as many patients do. Certain systemic health problems, such as diabetes, can increase risks of oral health problems and may affect candidacy for invasive treatments.
Current Symptoms
The presence of certain symptoms may prompt specialized inspections, such as through X-rays, as well as influence treatment recommendations. For example, reports of tooth sensitivity may result in tooth decay being found through a visual check-up or X-ray. Certain problems, such as intense tooth pain, should be discussed with our dentist as soon as they appear so that emergency treatment can be performed if warranted.
Dental Hygiene Practices
Proper dental hygiene is important for good oral health, but the best way of handling brushing and flossing can vary slightly with the individual. Through discussions of current oral hygiene habits, our dentist can determine if a routine addresses unique risks sufficiently. Some patients may also benefit from using special toothbrushes, flossing devices or antimicrobial products, such as mouthwash.
Communication with our dentist enables personalization of check-ups and treatment recommendations for the benefit of patients. With this approach, you will be more likely to enjoy optimal oral health and appearance long into the future. You can contact our dentist to schedule a dental exam in Agoura Hills and discuss your own oral health history and goals.
