7 Questions to Ask Your Dentist in Methuen, MA

Branch Street Dental • Dec 21, 2021

It is important to be knowledgeable about your dental health. Here are 7 questions you should ask your dentist in Methuen, MA during your next visit.

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You're never too old to start developing dental health problems. In fact, about 26% of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated dental caries. Only 65% of adults have visited a dentist in the past year, too.


It's important to remain up-to-date about your dental health. That way, you can track any concerns before they develop into serious problems. You can catch any minor symptoms before they can impact your health or quality of life.


Here are seven questions to ask your dentist during your next appointment. Asking a dentist in Methuen, MA these questions can help you prioritize your oral health.


You can make sure you're using preventative measures to avoid oral health issues before they can develop.

Get ready for your next appointment! Consider these questions to ask your Methuen, MA dentist today.

1. How Can You Help Improve My Oral Health?

During your next dentist appointment, your dentist will complete a visual examination of your teeth. Let them know about any issues or symptoms you've experienced in the past few months. Then, ask them for tips about improving your oral health. 

For example, they might recognize you're experiencing plaque buildup. Plaque is a clear, sticky substance that can cling to your teeth. When you fail to brush plaque away, it can harden into tartar.

Tartar can contribute to cavity formation or gum disease. You'll need to visit your dentist in Methuen, MA to have the tartar professionally removed.

If you're experiencing plaque buildup, your dentist might recommend you use an electric toothbrush. An electric brush could remove the plaque more effectively from the surface of your teeth.

Your dentist might suggest you use oral health products that contain fluoride, too.

As you create your list of questions to ask your dentist, consider discussing their services and treatment options, too. They might offer services that can further improve your oral health.

Consider your specific concerns. For example, perhaps you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile. Don't worry; you're not alone. 

In fact, about half of America feels insecure about the appearance of their teeth.

You might want to talk to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry services. If you have gaps between your teeth, you might want to consider orthodontics instead. To remedy missing teeth, consider implants.

Perhaps your dentist will recommend crowns to repair a broken tooth.

Ask about treatment options that can improve the appearance of your smile or the strength of your teeth. You can also discuss fluoride to make your teeth less susceptible to cavities.

Work with your Methuen, MA dentist to develop a treatment plan based on your unique concerns.

2. What's Causing My Pain or Sensitivity?

Don't forget to track any symptoms you've experienced since your last dental care appointment. Let your dentist know if you're experiencing oral pain or discomfort. Let them know where the pain is occurring, too.

Your dentist will complete an oral exam to try and identify the root source of your pain or sensitivity. They might determine you've cracked or damaged a tooth. For repairing damaged teeth, they might recommend crowns or veneers.

Perhaps you've developed gum disease (gingivitis). It's important to treat gum disease before it develops into its progressed stages.

Your dentist might recommend dental X-rays to further examine your teeth. Once they determine the root cause of your pain, you can discuss treatment options. 

Let your dentist know if your teeth feel sensitive during certain activities, such as chewing, brushing, or flossing. They might recognize you've developed dental decay. It's possible there's a crack in one of your teeth as well.

Some medications can cause sensitivity to your teeth, too. 

3. Have I Developed Alignment Problems?

Perhaps you've noticed a change in your bite over the past few months. Maybe your teeth are starting to appear crooked. The best dentist in Methuen, MA can help you find a solution.

For example, they might recognize you've developed an alignment issue. They could recommend orthodontic solutions, such as traditional metal braces. If you want a more discreet treatment option, consider clear Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign aligners are clear, plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. They'll slowly straighten your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile over time.

They could help if you've developed a mild overbite or underbite. 

Improving the appearance of your smile can help you avoid future problems. Otherwise, the gaps between your teeth could get worse. Food particles will have an easier time hiding away, potentially leading to cavities.

Meanwhile, improving your smile could boost your self-confidence, too.

4. Am I At Risk of Developing Gingivitis?

Remember, plaque and tartar buildup could increase your risk of gingivitis. Let your dentist know if you've developed gum disease symptoms, including:

  • Foul-smelling breath that isn't resolved after you brush
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity
  • A change in how your teeth align
  • Gums that pull away from your teeth
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Teeth that feel loose

Make sure to visit your Methuen, MA dentist if you experience any of these symptoms. They can treat gingivitis in its early stages before it progresses.

5. Should I Whiten My Teeth?

If your teeth have started looking discolored or yellow, talk to your dentist about cosmetic treatment options. They might recommend an in-off whitening treatment. They can also provide a kit you can use at home.



Make sure to choose professional treatment with your Methuen, MA dentist, rather than over-the-counter options. 

6. What Symptoms Do I Need to Watch For?

Talk to your dentist about your family's medical history. They might recognize you're at risk of another oral health issue, like bruxism.



Ask your dentist about the symptoms you'll need to track before your next appointment. 

7. How Often Do I Need Appointments?

If your dentist recognizes you have a dental health issue, they might recommend more frequent appointments. Ask them how often you'll need to visit to keep up with your dental health. 

Appointment Prep: 7 Questions to Ask Your Dentist in Methuen, MA

Asking your dentist in Methuen, MA the right questions can help you prioritize your dental health this year. Keep these seven questions in mind before your next appointment. Then, ask your Methuen, MA dentist how they can help.


The best dentist in town will help you develop a plan based on your distinct needs and goals. 


Eager for your next appointment? We can't wait to see you.



Contact us today to get started

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