Self-Assessment for Dental Health
The following questions will help you realized if you are in good dental health or not. Please be informed these this is only a self-assessment and does not replace your regular visit to the dentist. Semi-annual checkups with the following procedures are highly recommended: Head and Neck exam, Temporal Mandible Joint exam, Intra-oral soft tissue cancer screen, 6-point periodontal measurement, detail exam of each tooth, dental photos, and dental x-ray (3D Conebeam CT scan may be needed)
(Count the number of “yes” answers to help you determine your possible risk in each of the areas.)
Your Gums/Bone
- Do you have a bad taste or odor in your mouth?
- Do you have plaque and tartar on your teeth?
- Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth?
- Do you have receding gum line?
- Do you have a tooth that is loose or shifting?
- Have you lost any teeth due to gum disease?
- Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars or vaping?
- Do you have diabetes?
Your Answers
- No checks – you are at low gum disease risk (You may only need to get your teeth cleaned, and checkup once every 6 months and x-ray once every 12-18 months. Please consult a dentist)
- 1-2 checks – you are at moderate gum disease risk (See a dentist soon before it becomes high risk)
- 3 or more checks – you are high gum disease risk. (See a dentist ASAP)
Your Teeth
- Do you have black or brown stains on your teeth?
- Do you have chips/broken teeth or holes in your teeth?
- Do you have broken fillings, crowns, bridge or denture?
- Do you have difficulty in swallowing dues to dry mouth?
- Are your teeth SENSITIVE to cold/hot/sweets or chewing?
- Does food get caught between your teeth when you eat?
- Do you have sweets, soda/power drinks daily?
Your Answers
- No checks – you are at low risk of tooth decay (You may only need to get your teeth cleaned, and checkup once every 6 months and x-ray once every 12-18 months. Please consult a dentist)
- 1-2 checks – you are at moderate risk of tooth decay (See a dentist soon before it becomes high risk)
- 3 or more checks – you are high risk of tooth decay. (See a dentist ASAP)
Your Bite
- Do you have frequent headaches, neck pain or jaw pain?
- Do your jaw joints make sounds on movement?
- Do you feel that your lower jaw is being pushed backward when you bite together?
- Do you find your teeth have worn or shorten in the last 5 years?
- Do you have difficulty chewing gum or hard foods?
- Do you have more than one bite or a bad bite?
- Do you clench or grind your teeth?
- Do you bite your fingernails, chew ice or other objects?
Your Answers
- No checks – you most likely have a great functioning bite. (You may only need to get your teeth cleaned, and checkup once every 6 months and x-ray once every 12-18 months. Please consult a dentist)
- 1-2 checks – you maybe at moderate risk with a “bad bite syndrome” (See a dentist soon before it becomes high risk)
- 3 or more checks – you maybe at high risk with a “bad bite syndrome” that may affect other areas. (See a dentist ASAP)
Your Smile
- Do you feel that your teeth are NOT as White as they should be?
- Do you have mismatched colored crowns/teeth that bother you?
- Are you concerned with the appearance of the misaligned and overlapping of your teeth?
- Do you have missing teeth that are visible when you talk or smile?
- Are you embarrassed to smile?
- Do you have a gummy smile that you dislike?
Your Answers
- No checks – You are good to go. Be happy! You may only need to get your teeth cleaned, and checkup once every 6 months and x-ray once every 12-18 months. Please consult a dentist).
- 1 or more checks – let us transform your smile to the smile you lost or always wanted. Call for a complimentary smile analysis or just email us 3 biggest smile photos (Front, left and right views) you can give us and share with us your concerns. Dr. Young will personally reply with his professional assessment.
Your Sleep
- Are you having difficulty sleeping through the night?
- Do you snore and/or choke during your sleep?
- Do you lack energy, and feel tired and fatigued throughout the day?
- Do you fall asleep at any chance you get?
- Do you frequently fall asleep watching TV?
- Are you overweight (BMI 30+)?
- Do you have a neck size equal or large than 17 inches for man and 16inches for woman?
Your Answers
- No checks – you are at low risk of sleep disorder (You may only need to get your teeth cleaned, and checkup once every 6 months and x-ray once every 12-18 months. Please consult a dentist)
- 1-2 checks – you maybe at moderate risk of sleep disorder (See a family physician soon to schedule a sleep study).
- 3 or more checks – you maybe at high risk of sleep disorder (See a dentist ASAP).
Tips for Your Oral Health
- Floss and brush your teeth daily
- Get your teeth cleaned once every 3-6 months depending on your condition.
- Do not snack.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Chew Xylitol gum (4-6 pieces daily)
- Rinse your mouth with a high alkaline mouth rinse before you go to be bed.
- Brush your teeth after breakfast.
- Change out toothbrush once every 3 months.
- If you have sensitive teeth or gums, switch your tooth paste to one that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate.
