You deserve to be treated as a partner in your dental care. That’s why you need to call Nashua Family Dentistry today at 603-546-7460. Dr. Kiehl has advanced training in dentistry, but he also knows how to treat you with respect and kindness. Together, you can work on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and attractive.
Why Are Dental Exams Needed So Often?
You brush twice each day and floss every night. You stay away from too much sugar. And yet, you still have to visit our Nashua, NH dental office every six months. Why do you have to go so often? There are several reasons.
- You do not have the specialized training to spot problems when they are small.
- You probably don’t have access to technology available to dentists.
- Early detection of dental problems helps keep treatments more successful and affordable.
In other words, only highly trained dentists and hygienists can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Yes, you still need to take care of your teeth at home. That’s because dentistry is a partnership between Nashua Family Dentistry and your family.
Important Questions About Your Dental Exam
That’s why it’s important to communicate with Dr. Kiehl. The more you know about your dental health, the better you can maintain it. That’s why there are several questions you should ask after Dr. Kiehl is done giving you a thorough dental exam.
If you miss some of these questions, don’t worry. You can always call us at 603-546-7460.
1. Do I need to make any changes to my diet?
What you eat and drink obviously affects your teeth and gums. You know how sugar is bad for your dental health, but did you know that diet soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks can all cause similar damage? Don’t forget that carbohydrates are very similar to sugar and can also increase your chances of gum disease and tooth decay.
After your dental exam, ask Dr. Kiehl if he can make any recommendations for what you should or should not eat often. Call our Nashua, NH dental office today and schedule your next dental exam.
2. Are there any early signs of oral cancer?
Dentists are trained to help with more than your teeth and gums. Dr. Kiehl has training to spot signs of oral cancer in your mouth. Of course, anyone who smokes (cigarettes or cigars) is at a high risk of cancer of the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or throat. But it could also come from alcohol, HPV, and other causes.
That’s why it’s important to call Nashua Family Dentistry for a dental exam. Dr. Kiehl can spot oral cancer signs early enough to help make treatment more effective, but only if you call and come in for a visit.
3. Will a recommended treatment affect any future ones?
At the end of your dental exam, Dr. Kiehl will fully explain the results. He’ll also discuss and recommend dental treatments to correct any problems. At that point, you should ask if any of the recommended treatments will impact your goals and plans for your teeth.
For example, many people want a whiter smile and plan on teeth whitening at some point in the future. If your dental exam shows a large cavity, Dr. Kiehl might recommend a dental crown instead of a filling. Dental crowns are color-matched to your existing teeth. If you’re planning on getting teeth whitening soon, that dental crown will remain the old shade.
Explain to Dr. Kiehl any plans you might have, even just vague ideas. That way, you can talk about how dental work needed now can affect dental work in the future.
4. Am I reaching my back teeth well enough with brushing and flossing?
Your back teeth are notorious for getting cavities. That’s because it can be hard to reach that far back and keep them clean. That’s especially true with flossing. Some people use toothbrushes that are too big. They don’t fit comfortably back there, leaving your molars less clean.
Check with Dr. Kiehl to see if you’re cleaning those back teeth well enough. If there are problems, ask what Dr. Kiehl can recommend, such as a smaller toothbrush or a device to help floss back teeth.
5. Are there any visible side effects from prescription medication?
Certain prescription drugs can have effects on your teeth and gums. For example, some drugs can cause white deposits deep in your teeth. These are whiter than enamel and visible. Dr. Kiehl has years of experience, so he can help determine if any medicine you take is impacting your smile.
Call Nashua Family Dentistry today at 603-546-7460 or use our convenient online form to schedule your next dental exam. Dr. Kiehl is highly trained and can help keep your smile healthy and attractive.