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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you notice any symptoms of gingivitis, make an appointment with your dentist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your dentist.
What you can do
Consider preparing a list of questions to ask your dentist. Some questions you may want to discuss include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests, if any, do I need?
- What is the best course of action?
- Can I treat gingivitis on my own?
- What are the alternatives to the approach you're suggesting?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
- What Web sites do you recommend visiting?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment at any time if you don't understand something.
What to expect from your dentist
Your dentist may ask you questions about your symptoms. He or she may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- What is your oral health routine?
- What medical conditions do you have?
- What medications do you take?
- What is gingivitis? American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/gingivitis.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
- Nguyen HD, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
- Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
- Gingivitis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch095/ch095c.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
- The use and handling of toothbrushes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums (oral hygiene). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp. Accessed Oct. 23, 2008.
- Assad DA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., Oct. 19, 2008.
