Is it time for your routine dental check-up? You might wonder what you need to do before you arrive for this dentist appointment. Whether you are seeing a new dentist or visiting your usual practice, you should make preparations ahead of this appointment for optimal results.
You can expect your dentist to clean your teeth during this check-up and perform an exam to evaluate your oral health. Knowing more about what this visit will entail will ensure your time at the dentist’s office goes smoothly and efficiently. Read on to find steps you should take before you attend your next routine dental cleaning.
Complete Your Usual Oral Hygiene Regimen
Make sure to complete your normal oral hygiene routine before you attend your regular dental check-up. Your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, scraping away plaque and tartar build-up from your smile. But you should still brush and floss your teeth as you usually would.
This gets rid of surface layers of plaque and other residues. Then your dentist can focus on trickier build-up. Ultimately, this can help you spend less time in your dentist’s chair so that you can more quickly resume your usual activities.
However, you should note that practicing oral hygiene on this single day will not replace consistent at-home oral health care. You should not rigorously floss and brush to make up for missed oral hygiene regimens.
This will not make your teeth cleaner, and instead, could irritate your teeth and gums. Adhere to consistent and routine oral hygiene practices for optimal dental health benefits.
Note Your Comfort Level
Feeling nervous before a dentist appointment is common and affects patients of all ages. You should pay attention to how you feel about your upcoming dental cleaning and exam. If you do feel anxious, let your dentist know.
Modern dentistry prioritizes patient comfort. Your dentist has training and experience to help you find methods to relax and have a positive experience in their care. But you must communicate your feelings to your dentist in order for them to assist you.
You can take action to feel more at ease on your own as well. For instance, you can try deep breathing exercises to reduce overall stress and tension. You might benefit from bringing headphones and music to listen to during your appointment. Try wearing comfortable, loose clothing so that you can feel more at home in the dentist’s chair.
Bring All Necessary Items to the Dentist’s Office
You can streamline your experience at your dentist’s office by checking that you bring all necessary items with you to your appointment. This way, you can avoid confusion and delays, ultimately saving you time and hassle.
Make sure you have your dental insurance details because the front office staff will need to confirm this information at the office. Bring oral appliances like dentures or Invisalign to this appointment too. The dentist will want to check that these items fit and function as they should.