There you are: Just as you bite into that crisp apple, you hear a crack! For many people, going to the dentist is a nerve-wracking process, but receiving subpar service could leave you with more than just a set of sore chompers. So, before choosing the first dentist’s office that pops up on Google, print out our checklist of what to look for when choosing a new dentist.

If you’ve suffered a dental emergency, please head to the nearest emergency room. But if your insurance carrier has changed or you simply need a new dentist, use the following checklist to ensure you and your new dentist are a perfect match.

 

Before You Make an Appointment

• Where are they located? Some people like the convenience of having their dentist close to work or home; others don’t mind if they need to drive a little further.
• What are their office hours? Make sure that their schedule coincides with yours. Remember, you’re the one who needs to keep the appointments.
• What are the dentist’s credentials and educational background? Not only is it a good idea to know where you dentist received his degree, but it’s also a good to know how they keep their practice up to date with the latest developments in dental care.
• How do they handle payments? If you’re using dental insurance, it may limit the number of dentists you can see in your area. Inquire if they take your insurance beforehand.

At Your Appointment

• How do you feel in the office? A disorganized and cluttered waiting area could be an indicator of what’s going on behind the scenes. Look around and make sure the reception area is clean and orderly.
• How does the office staff treat you? The people behind the front desk set the tone for the rest of your dental experience. Are they warm and accommodating? Were they considerate of your needs? The friendly staff at Dr. Matthew Wittrig’s office in Greenwood Indiana will happily answer any questions or concerns you have with a smile.
• Was your examination thorough? Your first visit to a new dental provider should be more than a quick look and cleaning. Did the dentist take the time to learn about you and your dental history? Did they review your treatment plan and allow you to ask questions?
• Was the emphasis on preventive care? Some of the industry’s top dentists are the ones who avoid doing massive reconstructions, simply by encouraging preventive dental care. Your new dentist should help land the framework to avoid potential problems through a preventive dental regimen.

Final Note: When interviewing new dental practitioners, remember that the questions shouldn’t be one-sided. The dentist and his or her staff should ask you questions about your dental health and overall philosophy. Dr. Matthew Wittrig in Greenwood, Indiana believes understanding your “dental” philosophy and dental history matter the most.

Prevention is the best medicine for a healthy smile. Although crowns, fillings and even professional whitening can make your teeth stronger and brighter, it’s better (and less expensive) to avoid stains and cavities altogether, by following an effective oral hygiene regimen and eating right.

The biggest offenders usually fall into three categories: hard substances that weaken enamel, liquids that dry out the mouth and sugars that increase cavity-causing acids.

So, do you need to give up all your favorite foods and beverages to have a healthy smile for life?

No, not at all, but reducing or eliminating these top offenders can help you avoid problems down the road:

Dried Fruit

Despite its health-food status, dried fruit can wreak havoc on your teeth.  While all fruit contains natural sugar, it’s composition changes once the water has been expunged. What you’re left with in a highly-concentrated dose of sugar that clings to your teeth and traps acid-producing bacteria.  It’s a good idea to avoid raisins, dried prunes, apricots and any other fruit that is in a dried form.

Ice

For some, the best part of drinking any icy beverage is crunching their way through the ice cubes once the drink is done. Most dentists agree that chewing ice is a BIG no-no. Not only does chewing ice create microfractures in your teeth’s enamel, but you could break your part of your tooth off.

Bread

Who would have thought that biting into that French baguette was bad for your teeth? Once you start chewing bread the enzymes found in your saliva break down the starches, which are then converted into sugar immediately. As you continue to chew, white bread and other types of starch like pasta become a sweet, soft that easily sticks into the crevices between your teeth. This then becomes a prime breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. Crunchy snacks like pretzels and potato chips are also likely to get caught in tooth grooves, creating a similar problem. 

Alcohol

Everyone knows what drinking too much alcohol does to their livers, but did you know that overindulging can cause cavities? Alcohol works as a diuretic, which is why you feel so horrid after consuming more than the recommended daily amount. But people who drink excessively often have reduced saliva production, which over time, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks, can also dry out your mouth, which can also cause cavities.

Sour Candy

Candy and tooth decay go together like peanut butter and jelly, but did you know that certain types of candy are worse than others? Sour candy is very acidic, which can break down tooth enamel. And if you think brushing immediately after you devour a box of Sour Patch Kids is going to erase the damage, the truth is, you could be making matters worse. Brushing too soon after eating sour candy can also brush off the enamel that has started to break down on your teeth’s surface.

Proper nutrition and eating a well-balanced diet are important for both your overall health and oral health. To keep your teeth healthy, be mindful of your diet and remember to see your dentist regularly.

Although your child may enjoy having the day off from school, getting them to the dentist’s office can be a pretty hard sell. For whatever reason, dentists, and the general field of dentistry has gained a nasty reputation for being a scary place for kids. This could not be further from the truth. Dentists are far from the monster hiding under your bed and going to see them could possible prevent monster cavities from appearing in your child’s mouth.

Here are five ways that Dr. Wittrig and his staff will make your child’s check-up a great experience:

1. The entire staff is aware of the preconceived notions children may have about the dentist. Children are impressionable, and no matter what the cartoon dinosaurs tell them, they can build an intolerance or distaste for the dentist. They demonstrate compassion and understanding with every patient. He helps to eliminate fear by immediately interacting with the child when they get to the chair.
2. The dental technician will go through the procedure step by step with your child. They have a way of explaining things in a manner that children can understand. This is achieved by show short demonstrations with all tools and machines used. The technicians also inform patients about what sounds or noises they may hear, so they can have a reasonable expectation for the procedure.
3. Due to young patients, often being antsy, and nervous for their procedures, the front desk employees try and adhere to scheduled appointments as much as possible. It is their goal to tend to patients promptly. Having your kids wait anxiously in the waiting room is can cause unneeded stress. They want to get your children in and out so they can head off with their smile.
4. Wittrig, having raised three children of his own, knows how to interact with kids. He and his staff work to create an environment that is safe and clean. He talks with the kids about hygiene and have a healthy smile.  He even offers some exit incentives, like stickers, to reward those well-behaved patients.
5. Everyone in this office is extremely knowledgeable in working with both children and parents. They know exactly how to handle a myriad of situations. This staff work hard to keep information available, experiences happy, and the little clients walking out wanting to come back for another appointment.

Visit our office today and allow your child learn that going to the dentist can be fun and safe. Dr. Wittrig and his staff look forward to seeing your child leave with a huge, clean smile on their face!