Dental Etiquettes: 10 Do’s and Dont’s When Visiting a Dentist

by maria | Last Updated: November 9, 2020

Modern dental clinics are more like sci-fi theatre fully equipped with state-of-art equipment. It is natural to feel adrenaline pumping and anxiety taking control of emotions while at the dental clinic. If you are looking for the best dental treatments, you have to be in control of emotions and maintain requisite decorum. Follow these expert tips to make your visit to the dentist smooth and get treatment with the least possible stress.

Dental room with woman sitting in chair and doctor

Do I Need Brushing Before Visit to Dentist

It is natural to maintain basic oral hygiene before one is getting ready to meet someone. But when it comes to visiting a dentist, you should better keep the natural odor of your mouth as this could be a good indicator of your dentist to judge dental ailments. So, let your dentist smell the odor, but it doesn’t mean you should carry leftovers from lunch.

Sickness Rescheduling

If you are not feeling well due to one reason or the other, you should keep or reschedule your appointment depending on the severity of the health condition. If it is a normal seasonal fever or mild flu, you can keep your appointments as dentists are well-equipped to handle normal cases. However, if your treatment requires anesthesia, then you should inform your dentist in advance.

Avoid Workout Before Visit

Why visit your dentist with sweaty clothes and make it a point of attention when you could easily avoid it. If you are hyper-focused on hitting the gym on a daily basis, then you should at least postpone it for a few hours. Dentists need focus to deliver quality works, any distraction could be an invitation to unnecessary pain.

Avoid Mobile

It is tough to remain off the network in the modern era, especially when one is expected to wait. However, if you are visiting a dentist or rather any professionals, it is better to keep your mobile off or in silent mode until the job is done. It is like paying due respect to the person who is going to treat you.

Cancel Respectfully

Everyone loves to be in the company of an accountable person. If you are expecting someone to do his job effectively, you have to respect the value of time and show up on time. If it is necessary to cancel or reschedule, then you should at least do so respectfully. Beyond respect, your no-show could be a double loss for the dentist.

Ask About Babycare Options

If it is necessary, you can bring your kid to a dental care facility, but you should better enquire in advance. If the facility doesn’t have resources to keep your kid occupied, then it would be very challenging for staff to manage efficiently. Dentists are trained to handle distraction, but it might not be the case with you, so it is better to ask about babycare resources.

No Smoking Before Visit

Smoking is dangerous for your dental health but if you cannot resist the temptation to keep nicotine at bay for long, then at least avoid it before the visit. You are aware of the fact that smoking causes teeth staining, mouth cancer, tooth loss, and gum disease. The foul smell of nicotine burns could irritate your dentist.

Avoid Lipstick

Glossy lips might be necessary for you to go outdoors, but your dentist might ask you to remove it before starting the treatment. It is to keep instruments hygienic and avoid any scope of color confusion while executing whitening work.

Ask Everything About Treatment and Care

Most dentists love to answer relevant questions, but you should restrict your query to your treatment. A dentist is duty-bound to explain everything in the simple possible language, so clear all your doubts before sitting on the dental chair. While interacting with the dentist, you should be open and transparent about your dental habits, as this will help him understand the ailment and suggest suitable remedies.

Maria Giovanisci is an enterprising dentist from London. Maria graduated from the University of Murcia and began her professional career in her own dental clinic before, she decided to embark on a joint project with her two colleagues. Aside from contributing on this blog, she also works in the public health sector at the new Torrevieja Hospital.

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