There are generally no preparations that are required for a dental cleaning. However, there are certain things that you can do to help ensure the visit goes well. This is particularly useful for patients that may have dental anxiety or not know what they should expect for the visit.
How to prepare for a dental cleaning
The best ways to prepare for dental cleaning are to pre-clean by brushing and flossing, avoid whitening teeth for several weeks before the cleaning, prepare a list of questions you may want to ask your dentist, and give yourself plenty of time to arrive on the day of the dental cleaning.
Pre-clean before you arrive at the dentist
It never hurts to pre-clean before you arrive at the dentist for a dental cleaning visit. This can include a thorough brushing a few hours before the scheduled visit. Also, be sure to floss thoroughly as well to remove as much as possible between teeth and along the gum line. To help ensure you get the most possible out of the dental cleaning, consider not eating until after the cleaning visit. This can help prevent food build-up before the cleaning begins.
Wait until after your cleaning to whiten teeth
It is generally encouraged to avoid store-bought whitening products unless the dentist says it is acceptable. This is because they often contain ingredients that can cause increased sensitivity, especially if not applied correctly. The sensitivity may worsen during a dental cleaning. Subsequently, it is best to wait until the next cleaning to ask your dentist about the best way to brighten your smile. They may recommend a professional, in-office whitening procedure on a follow-up visit, which produces higher-quality results and lasts longer than store-bought whitening kits.
Prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist
All too many patients leave the office after a dental cleaning thinking that they forgot to ask a question they wanted to ask. Of course, patients can always email the dentist after the visit. However, to avoid forgetting questions that you have in mind, make a list of questions before arriving at the check-up visit and dental cleaning.
Give yourself plenty of time so you are not late
For patients that have some dental anxiety, arriving late to the appointment can make the anxiety much worse. Subsequently, it is helpful to arrive early and ensure you are not rushing to make it to the visit on time. This is particularly helpful if it is your first time with a new dentist and you are not exactly sure where their office is located.
Has it been more than six months since your last dental cleaning?
If it has been more than six months since your last dental cleaning or check-up visit with a dentist, then we encourage you to contact our dental team today to arrange a convenient time for your next cleaning. While following the tips in this review can help, our cleaning process is non-invasive, and no special preparations are generally required.
Request an appointment or call iSmile Dental - Dr. James Helmy at 561-225-2054 for an appointment in our Boca Raton office.
Recent Posts
The American Dental Association recommends that people visit the dental office once every six months for dental cleaning and checkups to discourage bacteria colonies from developing and causing dental problems like tooth cavities and gum disease. Professional dental cleanings will eliminate plaque, while dental examinations will enable your general dentist to assess the condition of…
Professional dental cleaning has several preventative and corrective benefits. Dentists use these periodic checkups to monitor the oral health of their patients. They also use the opportunity to correct small dental problems.Most importantly, dentists use routine dental visits to promote and foster good oral habits in their patients. These are just a few of the…
Dental cleaning takes up the second half of every routine dental checkup. The professional teeth cleaning exercise has numerous oral health benefits. Is reducing the risk of oral cancer one of them?A dentist has the training and keen eye to spot areas of neglect in the far reaches of the mouth. These qualities allow them…