Even if you don’t look forward to your biannual dental appointments, they are still extremely important for protecting your oral health. Each checkup is a chance for your dentist to remove harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth while also checking for signs of decay and disease; dealing with the small issues now can prevent major problems in the future. Even if you know this, you might still be a little nervous about your visit, and that’s OK. Here are 4 tips that can help you enjoy a smoother dental checkup.
1. Make Sure Your Teeth Are Clean Before Your Appointment
If you have the chance, you should brush and floss before you visit your dentist. Getting rid of food particles and other debris that might be clinging to your teeth can simplify things for your dentist and hygienist. Not only will it shorten the cleaning process, but it will also make it easier to spot areas where tartar has built up. Another way to ensure that your mouth is clean for your appointment is to not eat anything immediately beforehand.
2. Get to the Practice Early
Showing up early helps both you and your dentist. For you, it’s more time to check in and complete any necessary paperwork so that you don’t spend any more time than necessary in the waiting room. And for your dentist, it helps keep everything on schedule so that they can give all their patients the care and attention they need – and of course, that includes you.
3. Clearly Communicate Your Dental Concerns
Have you been experiencing tooth pain lately? Is there a spot on your teeth or gums that’s worrying you? Don’t be afraid to speak up! It’s easier for your dentist to accurately diagnose your dental issues when they already have an idea of what they need to look for. Be sure to share as much information about your current concerns and your dental history as you can. Even if some problems are embarrassing to talk about, it’s still important for your dentist to know everything that could help them make better recommendations for your oral health.
4. Be Up Front About Your Fears
More adults suffer from dental anxiety than you might realize. If your fears sometimes cause you to miss appointments, let your dentist know. They can make your visit a much more relaxing and pleasant one with the help of dental sedation.
Do you feel prepared for your next dental checkup? Or do you still have questions? You can always call the dentist’s office ahead of time; the team there will be happy to address any concerns you have and give you a few more tips to help you get ready for a visit that will leave you smiling.
About Buda Dental Professionals
At Buda Dental Professionals, we have an entire team of dental experts who are all equally passionate about changing people’s lives with high-quality dental care. Our office runs on a philosophy of providing a culture of wellness through excellent service, whether it’s during routine preventive checkups or appointments to treat an existing dental issue. If it has been at least six months since your last dental visit, you can schedule an appointment at our office by visiting our website or calling (512) 295-5555.