How To Prepare for a Visit to the Dentist

A trip to the dentist can be daunting for many people, especially when faced with bright lights and intimidating equipment. The gnawing of dental probes or the syringe of general anesthetic that’s about to make its way into your gums makes it all a little overwhelming. Rest assured, when fully prepared for your dentist trip, there’s no reason to worry!

Whether you’re registered with a regular or private dentist, taking the time to prepare for your visit will take the stress and hassle away. And once your teeth are gleaming, your next visit will be much less nerve-wracking!

Step 1. Double-check Your Appointment Time

There’s nothing more embarrassing than turning up late to an appointment or even to one that doesn’t exist yet. So, be sure to double-check the date and time of your dentist appointment. And if you forgot to pop it in your calendar, there’s no harm in calling to confirm.

Step 2. Clean Up, But Don’t Overdo It

Next, you should clean your teeth thoroughly before heading over to the dentist. If your schedule means that you’re stuck at school, college or work, you should take a manual toothbrush and some toothpaste with you. Just before you leave, head to the restroom and give them a brush – be careful not to overdo it!

Step 3. Get There with Plenty of Time

Arriving early is a given for any appointment or event, especially the dentist. Showing up late means you may risk losing your appointment, and in some cases, you may even have to pay for wasting a slot. Plus, if you get there at least 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled time, your dentist may be able to squeeze you in earlier, too. So it’s a win-win!

Step 4. Don’t Drink Alcohol Before Your Visit

Though a stiff drink may be tempting to take the edge off a little, we’d never recommend it before visiting the dentist. Hold off on calming your nerves with a drink until after your appointment. This will help avoid any complications and stir-ups.

Did you know that alcohol is a type of mild anesthetic? Drinking before a dentist appointment can affect your ability to form a clot after tooth extraction. Not to mention that drinking excessively also puts you at risk of vomiting. It can also change how you react to local anesthetics.

Step 5. Know Your Medical History

Lastly, knowing your medical history is crucial when visiting the dentist, especially a private dentist. While you may believe that your medical history doesn’t relate to any dental procedures, your dentist needs to know it. They need to have a good knowledge of any allergies or heart conditions before they get started. But also, women who suspect they may be pregnant are not allowed to undergo dental treatment.

And remember, if this is your first visit to a new dentist, be sure to bring along your previous dental records. That way, your new dentist will know of any underlying problems with your teeth!