If it’s almost time for your biannual dental cleaning and exam, you may be wondering how you can make it as fast and efficient as possible. The good news is that it’s not entirely beyond your control. In fact, there are many things that you can do to ensure that your next dental appointment goes as smoothly as it can. Here’s how to make your next visit the best it can be, so you can get back to daily life and show off that freshly cleaned smile as soon as possible!
Preventing Pain
Even though dental exam and cleaning appointments should never be painful, if it’s been a while since you’ve flossed or had a professional cleaning, you could experience some tooth and gum sensitivity. If you’re worried about pain, take an OTC pain reliever about 30 minutes prior to your appointment. You can also start using a sensitive toothpaste about a week or two before your appointment.
Keep it Up
Don’t forget to care for your smile on your own when you’re at home. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily, and floss at least once daily. This will not only make your cleaning easier for your hygienist, but it will also help reduce discomfort for you, too!
Put the Brakes on Whitening
While you may think you’ll impress your dentist by getting your teeth as white as you can with whitening toothpaste or white strips prior to your cleaning appointment, this is not recommended. For starters, your dentist’s office is a judgement-free zone, so there’s no need to impress them with your teeth. Furthermore, it’s easier for your hygienist to clean your teeth if he or she can see the plaque, and finally, if you have any undiagnosed issues with your teeth, whitening them can make things like cavities worse.
Thus, save your money and your time and hold off on whitening until after your cleaning and exam. Then, if you’re still not satisfied with the shade of your teeth, you can talk to your dentist about professional whitening that’s both safer, faster, and more effective than OTC whitening.
Keep Calm and Carry On
If you’re one of the 36 percent of American adults who suffer from some degree of dental anxiety, your dentist has options to make your appointment much more comfortable. Sedation dentistry can help keep you calm and relaxed during any appointment, even a routine exam and cleaning. If you are anxious or fearful about seeing the dentist, speak to your dental team prior to your appointment and see if you’re a good candidate for this life-changing treatment.
Remember, while it’s normal to be nervous or anxious about your upcoming dental appointment, the good news is that with a little advanced planning, you can ensure that your next visit will be as efficient and comfortable as possible!
About Our Practice
At Holt Family Dentistry, our skilled duo of dentists has over two decades of experience making smiles healthier. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, professional whitening, or you’d like to restore missing teeth with the help of dental implants, Dr. Gordon-Holt and Dr. Shah are ready to help!
To schedule your cleaning and exam, please visit our website or call us today at 704-542-2325.