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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffFollow your dentist's recommended schedule for regular checkups. If 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 know 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:
- Do you think gingivitis is causing my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests, if any, do I need?
- Will my dental insurance cover the treatments you're recommending?
- What are the alternatives to the approach you're suggesting?
- What steps can I take at home to keep my gums and teeth healthy?
- What kind of toothpaste do you recommend?
- How often should I brush?
- What kind of toothbrush do you recommend?
- What kind of dental floss do you recommend?
- How often should I floss?
- Do you recommend use of mouthwash?
- 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 websites do you recommend?
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 begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How often do you brush your teeth?
- Do you use dental floss? How often?
- What medical conditions do you have?
- What medications do you take?
References
- Ubertalli JT. Gingivitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch095/ch095c.html?qt=gingivitis&alt=sh. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- Davies R, et al. Dentifrices: An update. Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral, Cirugia Bucal. In press. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 30, 2010.
- Nguyen DH, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
- Darby I. Non-surgical management of periodontal disease. Australian Dental Journal 2009;54(suppl):S86.
- Gingivitis. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/gingivitis.htm. Accessed Sept. 3, 2010.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). MayoClinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 8, 2010.
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