Seeing your dentist regularly is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends having a dental appointment at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings that allow your dentist to catch and correct issues in their early stages before they become major oral health issues. Here are a few tips on etiquette and preparation to make your next dental visit more pleasant for you and your dentist.
Clean Your Teeth Beforehand
Giving your teeth a good brushing and flossing can make your appointment more pleasant for everyone involved. This will reduce the time and effort the dental staff will have to spend cleaning your teeth while also making issues like tartar buildup easier to see and treat. It’s also best not to eat anything between your last oral hygiene session and your dental appointment.
Arrive on Time
Everyone loves punctual clients, so showing up on time is a great way to give your appointment an excellent start. This helps the office run more efficiently, as a late patient’s cleaning can overlap with the timeslot of the next appointment, making it harder to squeeze everyone’s oral care into one workday. It’s best to arrive a few minutes early, and you may want to bring a book to enjoy in the waiting room.
Clearly Explain Your Situation
Your dental appointment is your opportunity to inform your dentist of any dental health issues you’ve been having, which can make it easier for them to detect and address these problems. Remember, your dentist may be a doctor, but they are not a psychic, and they may not realize that you’re having a certain issue unless you tell them. Communicating clearly with your dentist can help them determine the best treatment for you, and they will thoroughly explain your treatment options before moving forward.
Be Honest About Dental Anxiety
Many people have dental anxiety or phobias, which causes some of them to miss their appointments or even skip scheduling them altogether. If you are anxious about seeing your dentist, make sure they are aware of this fact so they can accommodate you. Your dentist may even offer dental sedation treatments that can make your appointment go by much more smoothly.
Seeing your dentist is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help your appointment go by much more quickly and pleasantly.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph earned his dental doctorate at the Maryland School of Dentistry and served in the US Navy for seven years. He is proud to hold memberships with the Kosciusko County Dental Society, the Indiana Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. His office in Warsaw, IN offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book your next dental appointment, contact his office online or dial (574) 269-1787.