Open Wide to Keep Lines of Communication Wide Open
The Mouth Mechanics are back today to talk about the importance of terminology, open communication lines, and questions in the dental industry. Too often are patients discouraged from asking the right questions during their appointments or consultations, partially, because they trust in the abilities of their dentist. More commonly though, these people don’t know the right questions to ask in the first place. Dr. Davis opens up the episode discussing everything and anything from the benefits of in-person consultations and intraoral cameras to analyzing models and what it looks like to get to know your own mouth.
The team’s aim today is to encourage patients and dentists alike to break down the communication barrier and to start asking questions. In this episode, the Mouth Mechanics describe gingivitis, cavities, halitosis, and other oral diseases that are often overlooked or even brushed aside. The team wants to change the apathetic attitude around oral care so that everyday people start treating dental hygiene with the attention it deserves. As they say, ‘a healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy life’, and the best way to start treating it as such is to get educated. So ask the dentist questions, request to see models, and opt for in-person consultations instead of virtual appointments. You’ll notice the difference in your oral health immediately.
The Finer Details of This Episode:
- The importance of terminology
- Why in-person consultations are the best option
- Asking questions
- What gingivitis is and isn’t
- Breaking the communication barrier with intraoral cameras and models
- Keeping communication lines open between doctor and patient
- Cavities as a disease
- Getting to know your own mouth
- Setting clear expectations
- Why dental hygiene is healthcare
- Bad breath and halitosis
Quotes:
“Words are free. It's how you use them that may cost you. So if you're not on the same page with the words and terminology being used, it can cost you.”
“You have to be real careful as to how you rush your treatment plan. Listen to the providers and be willing to ask questions.”
“Research so that when you come in, you can be able to ask the query and you have the questions— the appropriate questions to ask.”
“I want you all to realize that cavity is a disease. So when you are saying that you don't want to treat the cavity in your child, what you're essentially saying is I don't want to treat a disease that's in my child.”
“Just because you are out of pain does not mean that the infection is gone. You still have to take care of what caused you pain in the first place.”
“I don't know why society does not believe that dental is a part of health care.”
“If you are getting a service from somebody, you can interview them.”
“I have a seven year old who just asked questions. And the parent is like, ‘That's enough. Sit back and get your treatment.’”
“Your dental story is your dental story. And your dental experience is your dental experience. Do not allow what happened to anybody else keep you from having a very healthy mouth. And it does not have to cost a whole lot of money.”
“A healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy life.”
Links:
Tanzania Davis, DDS, PC www.tdavisdds.com
