Four Tips to Prepare for a Dental Cleaning

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.