Dental care is a part of all our daily lives, or should be, but we only see our dentist a couple of times a year. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to talk to your dentist anytime? Dentists are busy people and even when we are scheduled for a procedure such as a dental cleaning or a filling, we really don’t often get time to just talk with the dentist. Beyond having all those instruments in your mouth so talking is impossible, if your dentist is like most, they often are moving between multiple patients in the office and rarely have time to stop to talk with patients at any length. Many of us want to know more about our dental health, so this can be a frustrating situation. And of course, dental problems can come up at any time, day or night. So, being able to talk with a dentist when you need them could be a vital resource to help with a situation where you have discomfort or other issues.

So, what if you could schedule time with your dentist from the convenience of your home? You can do that with the GoodCheckup® app. GoodCheckup® lets you make an appointment and have a live, face-to-face video chat with your dentist. For emergencies, follow ups, second opinions, getting answers on upcoming dental surgery, or just general questions on proper dental hygiene and maintaining dental health, GoodCheckup® expands your access to your dentist.

Common Questions for Dentists

Roughly 75% of Americans experience anxiety when going to the dentist. Most of us are in a hurry to get out of the dentist office and don’t really take time to ask a lot of questions. But there are a lot of common questions many of us have. Given the chance, what would you ask your dentist? Here are a few that are frequently asked:

How can I make my teeth whiter?

Everyone wants white teeth, but our choice of food, beverages and other habits often cause stains on our teeth. People often ask their dentist things like: What is causing my teeth to stain? Is tooth bleaching at home safe? Do whitening toothpastes work? What products can the dentist provide for at home treatment? Or would a dentist office procedure work better for me?

What’s the best toothbrush for me?

Toothbrushes play a big role in keeping our teeth and gums healthy, so using the right one is important. There are many varieties of toothbrushes, manual, electric and sonic. There are hard, medium and soft bristles. Some toothbrushes are made for specific dental conditions. Your dentist can help you work out what would be best to care for your teeth.

What kind of toothpaste should I use?

Like the toothbrush, a quality toothpaste is important, but it’s hard to know what to look for. It seems like the varieties of toothpastes on the market keep expanding. There’s regular toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, sensitive teeth toothpaste and tartar control toothpaste. Which are most effective? Is fluoride necessary? If you want a natural toothpaste, which is the best one to use, and are they as good as the conventional pastes?

How can I avoid bleeding gums and other dental issues?

Lifestyle and proper care of your gums and teeth can make a big difference in your smile as well as your dental and overall health. After all, dental health can also affect your physical health, including your heart health. A virtual consultation with your doctor can help you work out the dental care and lifestyle habits you need to achieve and keep a healthy smile.

How do I stop grinding my teeth?

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition that can be triggered by things such as muscle tension, stress or anxiety. Many people experience it unknowingly while sleeping, but wake up with jaw pain, headache or tooth pain or sensitivity.  Long term, teeth grinding wears away at the teeth and jaw. Tooth grinding wears away at your tooth enamel and can even cause teeth to crack or chip. Patients can develop facial, neck and shoulder pain. With a video consultation, your dentist can discuss ways to reduce teeth grinding with you, such as a simple mouth guard you can wear at night.

How do I stop teeth sensitivity to hot and cold?

Many of us experience tooth sensitivity from time to time. In many cases, it’s temporary but in others it recurs and can take away enjoyment of eating and drinking. Finding and understanding the cause is key to managing tooth sensitivity. Having a video consultation with your dentist where you can discuss the symptoms can help you get to the bottom of the issue and learn what will help reduce the discomfort.

Get Answers from your Pediatric Dentist

Parents may have questions about their young child’s dental health. Starting with teething issues, having quick access to their child’s dentist through a virtual appointment can be a big help when faced with a fussy baby. Or, when a child loses a tooth or develops a toothache, having a dentist available can be really helpful. The dentist may give advice or provide a prescription to ease discomfort until the child can be seen.

Sometimes children just have questions or need reassurance. Compared to sitting in a scary dentist office, it’s easy to talk to a virtual dentist from the comfort of home. Talking with their dentist online is a stress free way for kids to get dental advice. And, a virtual dentist appointment is a timesaver too. Dentists can take a look and chat with kids about retainers, braces, aligners or other treatments they are undergoing without an office visit.

Virtual dental care is a great way for kids and parents to get dental advice, day or night, saving time and the hassle and stress of a dentist office visit.

Talk to a Dentist Live

It’s easier than ever to talk to your dentist live. The GoodCheckup® app is making teledentistry easy. GoodCheckup® is a free app for both Apple iOS and Android. It takes only minutes to download and sign up.  Then, find your dentist, make a virtual appointment and pay right through the app. Virtual consultations are very affordable and great timesavers. There’s no need to travel to the dentist office and no sitting in the waiting room. Give Goodcheckup® a try and see how quick and easy getting advice from your dentist can be.