How to prepare for the dentist ...

Seeing your dentist twice per year for dental cleanings is important to your long term health as well as your short term health. Once you have your dental appointment scheduled, there are a few things that should be done to prepare for the dental visit - points that should be addressed especially the day before your dental appointment.

It does not matter if your dental appointment is for a routine dental exam, dental cleaning, or if your dental appointment has been scheduled for the purpose of a more advanced dental procedure. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth during the 24 hours prior to your dental appointment and, on the day of your dental exam, brush your teeth prior to your dental visit. While most dentists and associated dental staff readily say they do not mind if your teeth have not been brushed prior to your visit, the truth of the matter is - no one likes to look at a dirty mouth. Therefore, out of consideration to your dental and staff, brush and floss before your visit.

In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, prior to your dental visit you will want to make a list of all dental and oral health questions you may have for your dentist. Because dental visits can lead to some degree of anxiety, we often forget some of the most important dental related questions we may have when we arrive in the dental office. Take some time, in the 48 hours prior to your dental appointment, to jot down the questions you have so you'll be prepared to make your dental appointment most effective.

Know your dental insurance plan. This is an important part in preparing for your dental visit. While most dental insurance plans cover standard treatments at the same rate, there are some that will contain pre-existing dental clauses, some that will not insure dentists who are outside of their dental PPO network, and even some that will exclude specific types of treatments from coverage. Know your dental plan before you go to the dentist and be sure you have reviewed the dental coverage materials well.

Prior to your dental appointment, it may be prudent to make note of your medical history especially any information pertaining to your cardiovascular system, metabolic system, and information related to any prescriptions you may be taking. Because your oral health impacts your physical health, and vice versa, your dentist will be very interested in knowing what the elements of your physical health may be. Again, because dental exams can be somewhat unnerving, we often forget to provide key health information at the time of the visit so be prepared by writing down these points in the 48 hours prior to seeing your dentist.

And, finally, be sure you get enough sleep and rest prior to your dental appointment. Because it is well known that adults defer seeing a dentist out of fear and based on anxiety, you can help in alleviating your own fears and anxiety by getting plenty of sleep prior to your dental appointment. Dental appointments are typically uneventful and do not involve pain. However, if you do require a procedure in the dentist office that may be of some discomfort, having enough rest and sleep on the evening prior to the appointment can help you managing your pain and stress better. Fatigue often leads to greater anxiety which is easily resolved by being well rested.

Sources: Journal of Oral Hygiene, 2002: 3; 46-51.