Dental appointments can be a source of fear and distress, no matter how flawless our dental hygiene habits have been.
In preparation for an appointment with a dentist in Newcastle, we normally brush, floss and avoid smelly foods; but we may also have other habits that we should avoid before our dentist visits.
Read on to find out if you are guilty of any of these bad habits below.
Excessive brushing
Before the appointment, it’s important to continue our regular brushing and flossing routine.
While brushing excessively in the lead up to the appointment may appear effective, excessive brushing can expose you to gum or tooth damage.
When brushing before a dental appointment, use a soft-bristled brush, as hard bristles can wear down the enamel on your teeth and damage your gum line.
Lightly brush the back of your teeth and your tongue, to remove any leftover food particles.
Brushing and flossing beforehand will assist in removing the surface bacteria and plaque from your teeth but will also make it easier for dentists to identify problem spots and advise you on what to do so you can avoid tooth decay in the future.
Lying to your dentist
A close report between dentist and patient is key to the best possible treatment.
Dentists are qualified to perform the best procedures possible and provide you with advice and recommendations to enhance and improve your dental hygiene routine.
If you’ve been dealing with swollen or bleeding gums, be honest with your dentist about your dental hygiene routine and diet, as they can determine the best treatment needed.
The solution may be as simple as a few lifestyle changes. Having honest discussions with your dentist play an integral part in providing you with the preventative measures needed to maintain quality good oral health.
Panicking
Having unsatisfactory or distressing experiences with a particular dentist or a dental environment have the potential to leave you fearful to receive treatment, or discourage you from making future appointments.
Even with the evolution of medical technology, tools, and treatment techniques, a high percentage of adults suffer from dental anxiety and fear.
Practising relaxation techniques (such as muscle relation and paced breathing exercises) are useful in reducing heart rate, muscle tension, and your fear.
Before the appointment, be sure to take deep, slow breathes and let oxygen flow through your body, avoiding shallow breathes that increase heart rate.
Alternatively, some dentists have accepted requests from patients to play relaxing music while completing a procedure.
Dental anxiety is highly related to what’s going on within the mind of the patient, as opposed to the actual pain of the procedure.
Various dentists have been known to install a television in the room where the appointment is being held, as to direct the attention of anxious patients and children onto the television, rather than the procedure.
By following this advice you will hopefully have a more relaxed and successful dentist appointment.
If you need to make an appointment with experienced dentists that understand these challenges, please call your local dentists in Newcastle at Live Life Smiling today online for an appointment.
