A Before, During and After Guide to Dental Visits
When asked about going to the dentist, many people say that they only see their dentist when they have a problem with their teeth or gums.
This should not be the case!
Routine visits to your dentist are crucial to ensure good dental health. Whether or not you’re experiencing any dental issues, you should schedule a dental appointment on a regular basis.
To get the most out of your visit, here’s everything you need to know before, during and after your dental visits, as shared by our leading dentists in Brisbane.
Before: How to Prepare
Verify your appointment
Emergencies happen, even to your dentist, so make sure that your appointment is still available by confirming it a day before. Also, ask them to call you in case there are any changes in your schedule.
This is a good way to avoid suffering any consequences of miscommunication later on.
Manage dental visit anxiety
If you are anxious about seeing your dentist, getting a good night’s sleep will help calm you down. Make sure to avoid caffeine as well as this can increase your anxiety. Instead, practice breathing deeply and slowly.
Brush and floss
Some say that you shouldn’t eat before your appointment, especially food or beverages with an unpleasant odour, but it is much worse to faint in the dental chair because you haven’t had any breakfast!
The best solution is to brush and floss your teeth after eating to clean your mouth and keep your breath fresh.
Write down important dental information
If you are a new patient, put your dental history into writing, or if you are an existing patient, take note of any significant changes to your oral health. This will prevent you from forgetting any crucial information that you need to tell your dentist about.
Arrive early
It is a good idea to arrive at the dental clinic ten to fifteen minutes early, especially if this is your first dental appointment with us. This way, you can fill in the necessary forms.
It will also give you the opportunity to have a chat with the staff, which can help you feel relaxed and comfortable.
During: What to Expect
Before the dentist puts anything in your mouth, you will be asked a couple of questions about your dental and medical history or any dental changes. This is where you could bring out what you have noted down beforehand. It is also an opportunity for you to ask about any concerns you may have. Giving the dentist accurate information will help her determine the most appropriate care for you.
Here at Apple Dental, we offer preventative dentistry services, general dentistry services, cosmetic services, and restorative services. We can help you gain a better understanding of the procedures or treatments you may need and answer all your questions so you can have peace of mind during your appointment.
Professional teeth cleaning
When your dentist has made sure that you are comfortable, a thorough teeth cleaning will be done. This procedure involves cleaning any plaque and calculus (“tartar”) build-up that regular brushing and flossing can’t remove.
Then your dentist will polish your teeth. This will eliminate any stain and residue, making your teeth shiner and smoother.
Dental exam
A comprehensive dental examination will also be performed. As well as thoroughly checking your teeth and gums, the dentist will check for any unusual lumps or colourations inside your mouth.
The dentist will measure the pockets between your teeth and gums to check for gum disease.
She will also assess your bite (the alignment of your teeth) and your jaw joint.
Dental X-rays
Your dentist may wish to take X-ray images of your mouth. This is one of the best ways to detect early any decay or other issues in your teeth and the supporting bone.
Once this has been completed, your dentist will have a better understanding of your dental care needs. Where necessary, she may prescribe a treatment to avoid or treat any dental issues. Otherwise, she will recommend your next dental check-up, which is usually after six months.
After: What to Do Next
Eat right
Did you know that generally, you can eat straight after your appointment? However, if you received a fluoride treatment, you should wait at least 30 minutes before consuming anything. Also, be aware that thorough teeth cleaning can sometimes make your gums or teeth sensitive, so you may wish to avoid foods that are too hot, cold, or crunchy.
Stay hydrated
Water is always the best thing to drink. It protects against decay and won’t stain your teeth. Avoid any sugary or acidic drinks because they cause tooth decay and erosion.
Practice good dental habits
If you have been practising good dental habits even before your dental appointment, then we salute you! Otherwise, now is a great time to begin! These habits include:
- Proper brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing daily,
- Cutting down on sugar
- Quitting smoking
- Consuming teeth-friendly foods.
These practices will help make sure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy in between dental visits.
Often, the early stages of a dental problem won’t have any signs or symptoms. You may be shocked to discover that you already are suffering from a serious tooth or gum problem. By paying regular visits to your dentist, any dental problem can be detected early and treated accordingly.
Don’t wait for your tooth or gum to be painful – if you do, the problem can get worse and may lead to tooth loss. After all, arranging a visit has never been easier; you can even it do it online now. So schedule an appointment online with us today!
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