As medical specialists, dentists field all kinds of questions daily from their patients. Our teeth are imperative to our quality of life, but many people have hesitations about the process of keeping their teeth healthy. Here are five of the most common questions that dentists are asked for you to keep in mind before your next appointment.

1. Do I Need a Filling?

Tooth decay is a serious problem that needs to be treated as soon as it's noticed. That said, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 13% of people between the ages of five and 19 have untreated cavities. A filling can fix the problem, so be sure to schedule regular examinations to catch the issue early.

2. Will This Hurt?

Thanks to advances in anesthetics, most dental procedures aren't painful. On the other hand, many dental issues that require fixing are painful in their own right! If you're in pain due to a dental issue, don't avoid the dentist for fear of more pain. We'll do our best to ensure your comfort and get you back on track to feeling your best.

3. Should I Floss?

Yes! Most people don't floss as much as they should. Flossing is necessary to remove debris between teeth and just below the gum line. If you're not flossing, you're not following a complete oral health care regimen. Ask your dentist for more information about how to best incorporate flossing into your daily habits.

4. How Can I Whiten My Teeth?

Many patients want to know how to get their teeth brighter. Dentists can offer a variety of professional teeth whitening solutions depending on your situation. As such, your dentist will have the best information on what you can do to reach your teeth whitening goals. Many patients will ask for at-home remedies, so feel free to bring up your preferences.

5. How Do I Prevent Cavities?

This is one of the questions that dentists are most happy to answer. As you might imagine, a good oral health routine focusing on prevention makes the dentist's job easier. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every day are good first steps. Your dentist will be able to give you more personalized advice relating to your particular lifestyle.

If you ever want clarification or further information about your oral health, your dentist is an excellent resource for these questions. Are you in need of dental assistance? Todd Denson DMD PA is here to help! Give us a call today to learn more about our services.