A solid at-home dental care routine, a well-balanced diet, and steering clear of poor dental habits (like smoking) are three pillars of good oral hygiene. However, there is a fourth: getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. If your schedule is jam-packed or you’re simply interested in learning how to make your next visit as seamless as possible, then read on!
Tip #1: Brush and Floss Before Your Visit
Of course, this isn’t the only time you should be brushing and flossing but doing so will help remove food particles and debris. This makes spotting plaque and tartar buildup easier and will make the professional cleaning shorter. Note: it’s also a good idea to avoid eating anything right before your appointment.
Tip #2: Arrive Early
Arriving 10 minutes early will benefit you in several ways. First, it ensures that you won’t be panicked and racing to get to your appointment on time. Instead, you can enjoy the drive and have plenty of time to relax in the waiting room beforehand. Getting there before your appointment will also ensure you have time to ask questions, fill out any necessary paperwork, and determine your payment method.
Tip #3: Come with Entertainment
Do you love cooking shows, but simply don’t have time to watch them as much as you would like? Have you been looking forward to listening to a podcast, but haven’t had a chance to do so yet? Your dental checkup and cleaning is the perfect time! Of course, nearly all dental offices today have large TVs in the waiting room and all of the treatment rooms, ensuring you aren’t staring at the ceiling for the 45+ minutes it takes to examine and clean your teeth. However, you can also bring your phone and some headphones to listen to a podcast or TV show!
Tip #4: Be Honest About Your Dental Habits
During your visit, your dental team will ask you a series of questions to get a better understanding of your dental needs. Although it can be tempting to tell a few white lies, it’s best to be honest. This will help your dentist and dental hygienist know what to look for, making your appointment smoother and more effective.
Tip #5: Be Prepared to Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist questions! Remember, you should take an active role in your oral health – it’s the best way to ensure your smile stays happy and healthy throughout the years. If you have a question about which toothbrush you should be using, proper flossing techniques, or something else pertaining to your oral hygiene regimen, speak up!
Just because dental checkups are extremely thorough doesn’t mean they can’t be smooth as well. To ensure your next appointment is as stress-free and seamless as possible, keep the above tips in mind!
About the Practice
With an art and academic scholarship, Dr. Scott Olson completed his undergraduate degree at Missouri Southern State University. From there, he attended the University of Florida Dental School, which is where he earned his dental degree. Moving forward, he plans to continue staying abreast of the latest techniques and technology through the Kois Center, the Dawson Academy, and the Engle Institute. If you are overdue for your six-month dental checkup or you’d simply like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (417) 823-4900.