In this vein, this article presents some of the best practices to help you prepare for a dental cleaning. Furthermore, we’ve categorised the preparation stages by timeframe to give you an ample preparation timeline.
Getting Ready for Your Professional Dental Cleaning
Think of dental cleaning as not just polishing your teeth but safeguarding your smile and overall health. That plaque and tartar lurking around your gums? They’re silent adversaries that could lead to gum disease and tooth decay if left unchecked. A dental hygienist’s skilled hands and keen eye can prevent these issues, ensuring that your mouth remains a fortress against bacterial invasion.
- A Week Before: Setting the Groundwork
- Do Your Research and Record-Keeping
Begin by reviewing your dental history, noting any past procedures, areas of sensitivity, and prior concerns. This record is the catalogue that could shape the outcome of your visit.
- Check Insurance and Documentation
Contact your medical insurance provider to confirm if dental insurance is included in your coverage. If it is, enquire about what services are covered. Are cosmetic procedures covered the same as bi-annual checkups or essential surgeries? Ensure you are conversant with the in and out of these details and you complete all necessary forms beforehand to avoid a last-minute scramble.
- Establish a Baseline
In the days leading up to your appointment, maintain a robust oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily and try to floss at least once a day. This lays the groundwork for your hygienist to clear away the hardened tartar that your brush cannot.
- 48 Hours Prior: The Pre-Cleaning Stage
- Confirm Your Appointment
Call your dental clinic to confirm your dental appointment. This simple act ensures that both you and the dental office are synchronised in timing and expectations.
- Curb Your Diet
Consider your diet in the hours leading up to your appointment. Avoid foods that can stain your teeth, like coffee or red wine, as they can affect the starting shade of your teeth before the cleaning.
- The Night Before
- Brush and Floss
Give your teeth one last thorough cleaning at home. This will make your dentist’s job easier and can lead to a more comfortable experience for you.
- Rest and Relax
Resting and having a good night’s sleep before your dental cleaning can’t do you any harm but good. It ensures you’re well-rested and feel relaxed during the procedure.
- Cleaning Day
- Pre-Appointment Nutrition
If you must have breakfast beforehand, take a light meal that won’t leave too much residue on your teeth, preferably veggies or fruits. Also, avoid sugary drinks and anything that lingers on the enamel in general. Keep it simple. Keep it clean.
- Arrive Early
Arrive at your dentist’s office a few minutes early to settle any last-minute details and get comfy. It’s your moment to acclimate, to breathe, and imbibe yourself for the procedure.
- Pay attention to Aftercare
Your dentist or hygienist will likely give you a summary of your dental health status and any areas that require attention. Take this time to ask pertinent questions and understand your oral health better.
Your teeth may be sensitive immediately after cleaning. Therefore, avoid extremely hot or cold foods. Stick to foods that are kind to your freshly cleaned teeth, like celery, leafy greens, and dairy products. If you feel discomfort, utilising a recommended sensitivity toothpaste can always help assuage distress.
Conclusion
Prepping for a professional dental cleaning is about more than just showing up. You’re an active participant in this story of health. Every cleaning is a chapter in your oral health saga. Embrace it. The outlook of your smile depends on these moments of preventive care that ensure you have a shiny grin that bolsters your self-assurance in social settings and stands the testing march of time.
Are you preparing to see a dental professional in London anytime soon? Be it for cosmetic or general dentistry reasons, look no further than the stalwart Diamond Smile Dental Centre, located in Upper Norwood’s Beulah Hill.