How To Get The Most Out Of Your First Dental Cleaning Appointment
Posted on: 7 July 2022
Biannual dental cleanings can improve dental health by eliminating plaque and tartar and preventing tooth decay. Teeth cleanings also curb bad breath, prevents gum disease, and reveal underlying dental issues early for prompt treatment. If you are planning your first visit to the dentist for a routine cleaning, check out these tips to help you get the most out of the appointment.
Talk to Your Dentist About Dental Anxiety
Do you get anxious when you visit your dentist for checkups or treatments? Although dental cleaning isn't as invasive as dental surgery, the experience can be nerve-wracking for people with dental anxiety. The last thing you need is to be uneasy during your first appointment. Therefore, talk to your dentist about your fears. This way, they will recommend the best type of sedation for you. The most ideal options for dental cleaning are:
- Nitrous oxide: This is also known as the laughing gas and it calms the body and relieves anxiety. The gas is incredibly safe because you will be awake throughout the procedure.
- Oral sedation: This form of sedation uses an oral pill that makes you drowsy throughout the procedure. To use oral sedation, you must fast for a prescribed number of hours before the procedure.
Laughing gas wears off pretty fast; therefore, you won't need someone to drive you home. Conversely, oral sedation takes longer to wear off, and you'll need a loved one to drive you to and from the clinic. Consider your options before the appointment and choose the sedation method that works for you.
Address Your Dental Concerns
During a dental cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues to look for underlying issues. This assessment will reveal cavities, gum inflammation, TMJ issues, tooth decay, and misalignment. However, there are some dental health issues that may not be evident during the cleaning, but that you should tell your dentist about. They include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Dry mouth
- Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
- Habitual tooth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)
Your dentist can recommend dental solutions and treatments to curb the above issues and boost overall oral health. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, you can use an oral appliance to prevent bruxism and protect your teeth from premature wear. If you have a severely dry mouth, your dentist can prescribe medication that stimulates the saliva.
Ask About Preventive Oral Care
Proper oral care in between subsequent cleanings can significantly improve your dental health. You can ask your dentist to provide recommendations on preventive oral care based on your lifestyle and dental health habits. For example, if you love caffeine, tobacco, or sugary foods, you should brush and floss after every meal to prevent stains and cavities.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your first dental cleaning appointment. Contact your dentist to learn more about dental cleaning services.
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