Going to the dentist can be a stressful experience for some people. Fortunately, the anticipation is almost always worse than the actual thing.
Regardless, there are a few things that everyone should do before going to their dentist appointment. Your dentist is there to help you and having access to dental care is a blessing. Oral health is essential to our wellbeing and quality of life.
Read on to find out how you can prepare before you get back into that dentist’s chair.
Caring For Your Pearly Whites
Our teeth are so important to our lives.
They are often taken for granted until something happens to them and we can’t eat the foods we love.
Also, your smile is your calling card.
It is one of the first things we notice about a person’s face. Studies have shown that clean, healthy-looking teeth do wonders for the first impressions we make.
Seven Things to Do Before You Next Dentist Appointment
Do you know what to do before going to the dentist?
If not, have no fear. We compiled this list of the most important things to do before your next dentist’s appointment.
1. Confirm the Appointment
Before anything, make sure you have all the right information.
Some offices have text and email systems in place but you should still call the office within 24 hours ahead of time to confirm.
Also, make sure you have the right address and know how to get there. There is nothing worse than showing up at your dentists’ old office, for example.
2. Know What You Are Going For
Are you scheduled for just a regular cleaning or you going in to get a certain procedure done?
Either way, it is imperative that you are aware of what is going to happen.
There are procedures that may require you to prepare in some way. This might include not eating for several hours before the appointment.
If you aren’t sure why you are going, your best bet would be to call the office and ask!
3. Clean That Mouth Out
Just like before going to see any medical professional, it is important that you wash up beforehand.
This is a common courtesy to whoever is going to be up close and personal with you but it is also a matter of hygiene.
A dentist appointment is no different. They are going to be really close to your face and mouth, so you don’t want to go with all types of food in between your teeth.
So, make sure you brush and your teeth, floss, and maybe even use some mouthwash.
4. Don’t Be Late!
Nobody likes to have to wait for anybody.
Dentists are generally very busy people and some see dozens of patients per day.
Any delay will cause the dentist to fall behind with their schedule and may cause other people inconveniences.
To avoid this, make sure you have the right time and address. It’s a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes early so you can check-in. Check for traffic and other delays.
5. Have Your Information Ready
When you make a dentist appointment, you will have to fill out some forms about your personal information.
Be sure that you are prepared to respond.
You will need to know your address, phone number, email address, insurance information, and other details.
Failure to supply the office with your information may cause trouble for the staff.
6. Share a Thorough Medical History
You are going to supply the dentist staff with all your past medical history.
This includes any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with, past and present.
Also, they will need to know any medications you are taking. There are certain drugs that increase your risk of bleeding and/or serious interactions with medications they may administer.
Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies so that you don’t have any type of reaction.
7. Be Open and Honest
Many people are afraid of the dentist.
Although this is common and normal, it may hinder open communication between you and the dentist.
If you feel nervous, say it! They are used to dealing with patients that struggle with anxiety, so don’t be embarrassed. They will treat you accordingly by being gentle and calmly explaining everything.
Also, let the dentist know if you are experiencing pain.
Certain parts of the procedure may be uncomfortable and even painful, but you should communicate any intense pain with the staff as it may be abnormal.
Final Advice
If you follow the aforementioned steps, the entire process will go more smoothly and it may help with the anxiety you could be feeling.
Pay close attention to any advice the dentist and/or the hygienist may give you. There is a chance that, even during a routine cleaning, they will find something to requires more attention. They may have you come in for an x-ray, for example.
Before leaving, stop at the secretary’s office for your next appointment.
Be sure to save the date and, if you can’t make it, reschedule ahead of time so you don’t miss your appointment.
Take Charge of Your Dental Health
Having the opportunity to see a dentist is something that should not be taken for granted.
Dental health is of utmost importance, so you need to take it very seriously.
Brush your teeth, floss, and make sure you don’t miss your next dentist appointment. Take the advice we mentioned and prepare accordingly.
Visit our facility here in Chattanooga, TN and meet our staff of well-trained professionals. Also, check out more of our posts for more information on all things dental-related.