Did you know that only 64 percent of adults aged 18-64 had a dental visit in the past year? It’s recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year for a routine cleaning.
Keeping up with your oral health is important!
Unfortunately, having a bad dentist may leave your mouth worse off than you think.
Not sure what red flags to look for? Here are the warning signs of a bad dentist that you need to run away from!
The Office Doesn’t Need Old Dental Records
When you change doctors or go to a specialist, they want to know your medical history. The dentist should be the same way.
Before you even show up for an appointment at a new dentist’s office, the receptionist should want your old dental records. They should ask you if you’ve had X-rays in the past 6 months and a cleaning.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people needing a full set of Xrays every 2 years at the most.
Technology Is Out-Of-Date
It’s 2018 if the dental practice is still using film – RUN! Digital X-rays are in and result in less radiation exposure than film.
Oral Cancer Screening
Besides technology, the dentist should perform an exam to check you for oral cancer. The exam involves looking for abnormal white or red patches of cells.
Any good dentist would feel the lymph nodes in your neck, lift your tongue and inspect both sides of it, and check the inside of your cheeks, gum tissue, and throat.
They Don’t Care About Germs
Are the hygienist and dentist wearing gloves? If so, great! But, they shouldn’t dig through drawers or type on the computer and then poke inside your mouth.
Huge red flag! Don’t let anyone put their hands in your mouth without a fresh pair of gloves.
Ask the dentist if they use heat sterilization for their tools since most bacteria die only with heat. How do they clean their tools?
You Have Everything Wrong with Your Mouth
If you’ve always gone to the dentist and now you have a mouth full of cavities, STOP! Get a second opinion, from the American Board of General Dentistry.
The dentist might be trying to rip you off without you even knowing it.
Upselling
Not only is everything wrong with your mouth, but then the dentist tries to offer cheaper ways to fix it. Don’t let them try to upsell you with crowns and caps.
You’re Just Another Set of Teeth
One of the biggest warning signs of a bad dentist is they make no effort to establish a personal relationship with you.
At Marian Pilecki, DDS, that won’t happen. Dr. Pilecki takes the patient-centered approach, welcoming you into the office and keeping you smiling after you leave!
If that’s not the goal of the dentist you choose, find a new one.
Warning Signs of a Bad Dentist
Now that you know the warning signs of a bad dentist, keep your guard up.
After all, you want a dentist you and your family can trust for years. You can start looking for a good dentist in your local area by clicking here.