We begin attending routine dental appointments with our dentists as soon as we grow our first teeth. Though you may have attended many dental check-ups, you might still feel apprehensive before going to your next one. But with conscious preparation, you can feel confident and experience improved efficiency during this dental visit.
Your dentist can give you more details about your upcoming appointment when you give them a call. But you can also read on to learn three actions you should take before you arrive for your regular check-up at your dentist’s office.
Stick to Your Usual Oral Hygiene Routine
During a routine dental check-up, your dentist will professionally clean your teeth. They will scrape plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth that may linger in your smile where your toothbrush and floss cannot properly reach.
Though your dentist will complete this cleaning, you should still do your oral hygiene routine as you normally would on this day. Brush your teeth and floss like usual. This will clear away surface levels of build-up so that your dentist can focus on more stubborn residues. You can save time this way.
You might feel tempted to brush or floss more extensively in an attempt to get your teeth extra clean before you visit your dentist. Do not use these harsh cleaning methods. You will not make up for any lapses in your oral hygiene this way. Instead, you will likely irritate your gums and tooth enamel.
Adhere to a consistent and thorough routine when it comes to oral hygiene for optimal preventative dental care. Good preventive dentistry will also include attending regular dental cleanings, so do not skip these appointments.
Consider Your Comfort Levels
Do you feel nervous about visiting your dentist? Dental anxiety is common, but if you feel uncomfortable at the dentist’s office, you could have a negative experience. Your dentist prioritizes your comfort, so let them know about any lingering nerves. They can work with you to feel at ease in their office.
You can also make an effort to feel more relaxed before you arrive at the dentist’s office. Consider deep breathing exercises or other stress relief activities to induce a calm feeling. You might also bring headphones and music to make you feel more comfortable during your appointment.
Bring All Relevant Items to the Dentist’s Office
Check that you have all necessary items related to your dental appointment before you leave your home. For instance, the front office staff will want to confirm your dental insurance details when you arrive. Bring your insurance card with you to make this process go smoothly.
If you use oral appliances, like dentures or Invisalign, bring them to your dental appointment as well. Your dentist will want to evaluate these items as well as the rest of your smile to see that they function as well as they should. If you forget them at home, you may miss out on crucial dental care.