Chances are if you have taken the time to check into our Web-Site this far—you are ready for additional information which will help you with questions about your dental health or that of a loved one. The truth is—most of us depend on health information from the media. Big corporations have a vested interest in making their products appealing and spend millions advertising, very effectively changing our perception of what to do to be healthy, attractive, fresh smelling, sexy, etc.
The vast majority of us still harbor basic misconceptions about their dental health. We may have had these ideas from early childhood or may have acquired them as we grew up. Regardless, inadequate or biased information usually does not place you in a position to control your health. What can be done to break this cycle of misinformation? It is not so difficult.
Many of the major advances in health care come as a result of our ability to see better. Can you imagine if we could see the first cancer cell developing? Cancer would cease to be a threat to anyone. What you can not see, you can not know about.
Despite what we read in the papers, every year, cavities, gum disease, and poor oral habits cause millions of us to lose, not only our health, but our appearance, and dignity as well. We spend billions of dollars, often to little avail. Our dental health is being challenged as never before. Processed foods, hectic lifestyles, unprecedented mobility, budget concerns, tobacco use and longevity add to our difficulties. Stress is a very real concern for us because it can translate into grinding and clenching which can severely damage our teeth and joints.
Modern dentistry is truly marvelous. New materials, and equipment make care more predictable, comfortable and certainly more attractive. Dentists have never been more skilled, care never more accessible. Care is also safer, with stricter sterilization requirements and licensing mandates, you can rest assured that you are in a safe environment.
If all these things are true, why are so many of us still having difficulty staying healthy? There is certainly no one answer, but there is an answer for you.
It may not be apparent, but the most important visit to the dentist may just be the first one. sounds a bit silly really, doesn’t it; because all they do is clean your teeth, and take x-ray pictures of your teeth and tell you if you have cavities—right?? And it does not matter if I come in on time or not, after all Dr. Bolous is busy anyway he probably will not even realize I am late for my appointment—they are not going to actually do anything anyway are they?? Sorry, wrong, with a capital W.
Dentists do know how to help you, but gosh, are we poor at explaining how and why. The average patient who leaves the office could hardly describe the nature of their condition, any more than they could remember how to do ninth grade algebra. The chances are that they will continue on doing what they have done for the previous ten years, and that can be a recipe for even more problems.
From now on, when we are looking for a new Dentist, let us get prepared before we come in for the first visit and let us take charge of our health for the better—for ever more! First, make sure that you read all the information your dentist will send to you and completely fill out all the health information for you and the children. Then make sure that you plan on arriving at least ten minutes before your appointment so you are relaxed. Think about your teeth, do they bother you; is there some question you would like to ask—then write it down and place it in your wallet and bring it in with you. This really works well, dentists love questions. After your first visit, ask your dentist to summarize his findings briefly with any recommendations; if your case is complicated, request a written explanation and a follow up visit to discuss any concerns. Now when you leave and still will not remember how to do algebra, but at least you will know more about your dental health.
TOOLS
There are several tools that can improve communication and your knowledge about your dental health. An intra-oral camera which is a miniature video camera, can help you see around your mouth and make it easier to understand what is happening. A Diagnodent is a diagnostic laser, which can look into your teeth to determine if decay is present. Digital x-rays make for better understanding of the pictures of your teeth. Magnification dentistry allows the dentist to see clearer and be more thorough. Understanding your dental health does not require a degree in rocket science.
FINALLY (it is about you)
You are unique. No one has your plaque, your genes, your habits, and your smile. When it comes time to use the information from your first visit, often a custom treatment plan needs to be developed, which includes an appropriate plan for maintenance. If your treatment will require several visits or extend over a period of time, you should be clear on what is being done and why. Today, most dentists realize that good health requires a TEAM effort, and not just the dental team; to quote a well-respected dentist, “A dentist can make you more comfortable, more functional and more attractive, but only you can make yourself healthy.” Let us stop looking for the dentist who can just fix us and look for the dentist who can assist us to get and stay well.
