From tooth brushes to mouth rinses to flossing, keeping your pearly whites clean is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health.
But without regular dental cleanings from a professional, even the most meticulous home-care routine may not be enough to remove plaque build-up and keep cavities at bay.
Fortunately, preparing for a dental cleaning doesn’t have to be hard or nerve-wracking; with this guide, you’ll learn how to make sure that each appointment runs as smoothly (and painlessly!) as possible.
Pre-cleaning your teeth before the dental cleaning
To ensure a dental cleaning is as smooth and successful as possible, pre-cleaning is essential.
This process can include brushing teeth thoroughly, flossing before dental hygienist application, rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash, gargling to remove any remaining food particles, and avoiding dental challenges just before a dental cleaning.
Doing everything you can to prepare for a dental cleaning will ultimately pay off in the end and make it an efficient visit.
Avoid teeth whitening before dental cleaning
When you make dental cleanings a regular part of your dental care routine, it’s important to make sure that the cleaning is as effective as possible.
One way to help prepare your teeth for a dental cleaning is to avoid teeth whitening products leading up to an appointment. This is because these products can weaken enamel, making dental cleanings much less effective.
If it has been longer than six months since your last dental cleaning, avoiding whitening products should be a priority in order for dental professionals to properly assess and clean your teeth.
List your questions
A dental cleaning is an integral part of dental care, so it’s important to know what questions to ask your dental hygienist or dentist before the appointment.
Preparing a list ahead of time ensures that you can get all the information needed to make sure the dental cleaning is successful.
Questions to consider include: What type of dental cleaning do I need? What should I expect during the procedure? Are there any risks associated with dental cleanings? Is there anything I can do at home to make sure my teeth stay healthy?
By preparing these questions prior to your dental cleaning you can be sure you will have a much more informed and enjoyable experience.
Avoid bad habits before and after dental cleaning
It’s important to actively avoid bad habits such as smoking, drinking soda and coffee, or not brushing regularly in order to ensure that your dental cleaning goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
These habits create considerable challenges when it comes to dental cleaning, making it more difficult to get rid of bacteria and keep your teeth bright. Taking the necessary steps to prevent these bad habits before dental cleanings will yield excellent results come appointment day.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for dental cleaning is an important step in maintaining good oral health. Not only does it help to remove plaque buildup and prevent decay, but it can also help to spot any potential problems before they become serious.
With some simple steps, you can ensure your hygiene appointment goes as smoothly as possible. Start by scheduling your appointment at least six months in advance, so that you can be sure to catch any early signs of trouble. Brush and floss regularly to keep plaque growth under control between visits.
You should also limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks during this time, as these tend to cause cavities more quickly. Finally, make sure to bring along a list of any medications or supplements that you take, since this could affect the treatment plan your dentist recommends.
Taking these proactive steps will ensure that your dental cleanings are both comfortable and effective.