When it comes to keeping your smile healthy and looking its best, brushing, flossing, and eating well are key. Outside of your home, visiting your dentist every six months is one of the most important parts of maintaining excellent oral health. During your dental checkup, your dentist will perform a thorough exam and your dental hygienist will do a deep clean of your teeth. To ensure that these appointments go as smoothly as possible, read on to learn 4 helpful tips.
Tip #1: Figure Out Your Financials
As important as it is to make biannual appointments to see your dentist, some people avoid going due to fear of how they’ll pay for treatment. Be sure to figure out your financials before you see your dentist. If you have dental insurance, it should cover two dental appointments per year. If you don’t have insurance, speak with your dentist about financing options so you don’t have to pay for your entire treatment at once.
Tip #2: Make Sure to Brush and Floss
As previously mentioned, brushing and flossing are key to a healthy smile. If you don’t start taking care of your teeth until right before your dental checkup, your dentist will be able to tell. Be sure to brush your smile once in the morning and once at night for two minutes each time. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the enamel. Additionally, floss every night to get rid of plaque and food particles that can’t be reached with brushing alone.
Tip #3: It’s Polite to Be Punctual
Just like with other healthcare professions, the life of a dentist is a busy one. Between attending to patients with scheduled appointments to helping anyone who comes in with a dental emergency, their schedules tend to be packed.
For this reason, it’s important to show up to your dental appointments on time. This will help your dentist keep their schedule on track, and they’re sure to appreciate it. Additionally, if you’re a new patient, show up 10-20 minutes early so you can fill out all of the necessary paperwork without cutting into your appointment time.
Tip #4: Provide an Update on Your Status and Ask Questions
If you were dealing with oral or overall health issues the last time you saw your dentist, make sure to give them an update on how you’re doing at your next checkup. Conditions that you were recently diagnosed with, like diabetes, should also be brought up since they can have an impact on your oral health. This will allow your dentist to make the necessary adjustments to your treatment.
You only see your dentist every six months, so make sure that you’re prepared for your next dental checkup. This will allow you to get in and out of their office quicker and with a gorgeous, healthy grin on your face!
About the Practice
Denton Dental Center treats their Texas patients with compassionate, effective care. They administer a range of preventive treatments to both adults and children, including thorough dental checkups and cleanings. With their help, you can keep your smile looking healthy, happy, and brag-worthy for years to come! Call Denton Dental Center at (940) 383-3300 or visit their website for more information on how to prepare for your next dental checkup or to set up an appointment.