Just open wide, right? It’s so easy a baby bird can do it. You have an appointment at the dentist for an examination, a cleaning, or a necessary dental procedure. Dentist appointments may be uncomfortable and stressful enough for some. But it is not only up to the dentist to assure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
The truth is there are quite a few mistakes you can make when you’re headed for the dentist that – when avoided – can make a huge difference in your experience.
1. BRUSHING YOUR TEETH BEFORE THE EXAMINATION
This may seem just a little contradictory. And yes, in general, you are supposed to brush your teeth before going to the dentist. Of course, you want to make the best possible impression in terms of your oral hygiene. Plus, the toothpaste and mouthwash ensure fresh breath. However, you can’t make up for poor dental health in one brushing. If you try to make up for your lack of brushing or flossing by overdoing it before your dental appointment, you may just irritate your gums or mask the overall problem. Good oral hygiene… yes, brushing and flossing … is an everyday thing. Here is more on Great Oral Health Habits.
2. WEARING CONTACT LENSES DURING DENTAL TREATMENT
This point is important, especially for more complex and lengthy treatments and if you undergo any type of dental surgery. Take out your contact lenses. If your eyes are closed for an extended period, the risk of infection increases rapidly. But even with less intensive treatments, irritations can occur. Contact lenses are generally best left chairside or at home.
3. COFFEE BEFORE VISITING THE DENTIST
Are you nervous about going to the dentist? Your morning cup of coffee might turn into two or three. But that may backfire. According to the American Institute for Mental Health, caffeine can increase stress and anxiety. And that can have unpleasant consequences once you sit down on the dentist’s chair.
4. ALCOHOL BEFORE THE DENTIST VISIT
This should be a no-brainer, but it probably happens more often than you think. Many anxious people may try to ease their nerves a bit with a glass of wine or beer before a treatment. But it’s a bad idea. Especially in cases when anesthesia is used, there may be dangerous interactions. Alcohol in connection with dental work or any medical procedure is an absolute no-go.
5. MEDS BEFORE TREATMENT
Unless your dentist prescribed it, you should not take any medications before your procedure. If you did, it is essential that you declare any medication before your procedure. There is again the risk of interactions with medications administered by the dentist. Moreover, if you take painkillers prior to your appointment, you may not be able to help pinpoint the source of your pain. However, if the dentist prescribes medication to help you calm down or for pain, you are allowed to take them.
THE BIGGEST MISTAKE TO MAKE AT THE DENTIST OFFICE?
The biggest mistake you can make? Avoiding the dentist altogether. We understand: It costs money. It may be a tense situation (Dental Anxiety is Real). But prevention is the best way to avoid more significant problems. And should you already be dealing with discomfort and pain, it’s time to listen to your body. Pain is your body’s natural mechanism of warning you that something is wrong. So when it comes to dental pain, don’t just opt for the quick solution, such as taking a painkiller. And instead chose to visit the dentist. People avoid the dentist for many reasons: a person may be worried about fitting in an appointment, had a bad experience, is battling general dental phobias and anxiety, or is thinking the dentist is too expensive. The problem is that painkillers will only ever mask tooth pain symptoms – they won’t address the underlying cause. The longer you avoid the situation, the worse it can become as the infection spreads or further damage is done to the tooth.
We hope you choose Tecumseh Ridge Dental for your next dental visit.
