Attending a dentist appointment is a task we are all in need of on a fairly regular basis — ideally once every six months. Although many of us know that we should, we don’t always follow this guideline of time. Some take this seriously, while others tend to put off their cleanings and check-ups as long as possible.
No matter the type of patient you happen to be, there is always a little preparation to take prior to having a seat and lounging back, mouth open wide. Some tasks take place of or just a few before your visit, while others are ongoing activities or awareness we should all be aware of and try to maintain.
Long Term
1: Nutrition
What we choose to eat can have a significant impact — sometimes positive, sometimes negative — on our oral health. It is therefore very important to eat a well-balanced diet to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A poorly followed diet can lead to oral problems such as periodontal disease and cavities.
- Cavities are very common occurrences and sugar is one of the main culprits that causes them! They are commonly caused by a form of bacteria and acids found in harmful sugars.
- So what are some examples of harmful sugars? More obvious examples include soft drinks, dessert foods, chocolate milk, jelly, and much more. Other less obvious examples are flavored yogurts with fruit on the bottom, store-bought or pre-made smoothies, flavored granola, and even more. If we limit our consumption of excessively sweet foods and drinks, we have a lower risk of developing cavities, in turn lowering our risk of other dental problems as well as health issues
- If left untreated, conditions such as cavities will require somewhat of a dental intervention, which can increase the cost of your dental treatment and also cause you to possibly lose the tooth!
Adopting healthy eating habits will not only keep your weight in check, but also help your oral health. And in this world of instant gratification, being able to combat 2 problems at once is a pretty good deal!
2: Daily Routine
By making yourself stick to a daily oral hygiene regimen, you’re able to lay the groundwork for a fairly healthy and problem-free mouth, as well as a healthier overall aspect on your body. A regular routine can prevent cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and more.
- So what’s the daily routine that should be occurring morning and night over our bathroom sinks? It’s simple..Brush your teeth morning and night. Also, try to work in flossing your teeth after at least one of your brushings.
3: Surprise Signs
It’s also important to be able to identify signs of dental distress or any issues that you may be experiencing in the oral cavity, no matter how close you are to your next check-up. You should pay attention to any painful or sensitive areas of your teeth or gums and schedule a closer appointment if the problems persist. Putting off necessary treatment can take a small issue and turn into a much larger one.
Leading Up To Your Appointment
4: Anxiety is A-OK
For people who are wary of the dentist, know that you are not alone. There are countless people throughout the world that suffer from a dental phobia or dental anxiety. The first step to overcoming this challenge is making the appointment for a standard cleaning.There are many different treatment options for those individuals who are extremely nervous to receive dental treatment. Check out the info on SEDATION DENTISTRY.
5: Check your insurance for specifics
A little preparation goes a long way. For example, if you have dental insurance, it helps to know the specifics of your coverage. Most plans have a yearly maximum and any treatment beyond that is the patient’s responsibility. Certain types of treatment may only be partially covered.
6: Make a list and check it twice
In the days leading up to your appointment, sit down and begin making a list of questions and concerns you may want to ask and bring to your dentist’s attention. Most people fail to do this and walk away from their appointment realizing they did not get the answers they needed.
Keeping yourself in check and up to par for your dental check-ups isn’t as daunting as it reads. You simply build these routines into your life and try to plan ahead. A little preparation goes a long way, and being on top of your oral and overall wellness is something you can’t put a price on!