Is your next dental appointment creeping up on your calendar? After years of visiting your dental office, you may think that you’ve got the process down, but are you really getting the most out of your regular checkups? After all, it’s not like you get to see your dentist every week.
In order to maximize your time, you should be fully prepared before you take a seat in the dental chair. Here are five simple tips for getting the maximum benefit from your appointment so that you and your teeth will live a long and healthy life:
1. Prepare Your Questions
You’re brushing your teeth when you start to wonder if the toothbrush you’re using is really up to the task. What’s the best way to floss the back of your teeth? And what can you do to keep you breath fresh and clean? These questions may pop into your head at random, but as soon as you’re face-to-face with your dentist, your mind goes completely blank. Instead of freezing up, why not write down your inquiries in advance? In this way, you can rest assured that you’ll walk out of your appointment with all of the answers you’ve been looking for.
2. Take Notes
During your checkup, both your dental hygienist and dentist will provide you with advice and information that pertains to the care of your teeth and gums. Whether they’re recommending a specific brand, telling you that you may need to have your teeth scaled, or discussing specific problem spots and treatment methods, you may find it difficult to remember everything that was said during the visit. Never hesitate to write things down. This will help you to remember everything and take ownership of your oral health.
3. Share Your Dental History
Dentists are able to provide you with the highest quality of care when they are able to take a look at the “big picture” of your oral health history. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been seeing the same dentist for awhile or setting an appointment somewhere new — having access to your dental records can be a big help.
4. Be Honest
Most patients strive to please others and want to get an “A+” from their dentist — even if that means fibbing about how frequently you brush or floss, or about other habits that could be impacting your oral health. Being dishonest, though, will only hurt you in the end. It will make it more difficult for your dentist to accurately assess the condition of your teeth and gums. Just remember that honesty is always the best policy — even in the dental office.
5. Don’t Overdo It
It happens all the time: A patient realizes that his or her appointment is just around the corner and they start amping up their dental routine to the extreme. If you haven’t been flossing, a sudden and vigorous “crash” regimen isn’t going to instantly resolve anything, just like an aggressive brushing routine won’t correct long-term habits. In fact, doing so may damage or aggravate your gums and tooth enamel. Just stick with your usual techniques before the appointment. If you need to make improvements to your routine, your dentist will provide you with advice during the checkup.
Don’t let your smile down during your next dental appointment. By taking a little time to prepare yourself for your visit, your dentist will be able to provide you with the right care and information so that you have the best experience possible. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have further questions, Bruce C. McArthur, DDS will help you achieve your dental health goals. Contact us today!