Tips on Avoiding a Lecture From the Dentist

If you’re like most people, you don’t exactly celebrate on the day of your appointment with the dentist. You think about the vaguely unpleasant feeling of having your mouth invaded by the hygienists, wonder if your gums will bleed this time and dread the lecture you will inevitably receive when your teeth are examined. If you want to make your trips to the dental office a little more pleasant, here are some tips to follow.

The path to cavities is plaque buildup. If you want to make sure this doesn’t happen, you need to be strict about your brushing routine. It doesn’t matter much which of the major brands you choose or if you use an electric brush or a manual one; the important thing is that you do it and you do it with regularity. A dentist will typically recommend brushing two or three times a day, following up one of those times with a thorough flossing and a good mouthwash. If you are wondering how long you should brush your teeth for, the rule of thumb is two minutes per session.

If you are undergoing orthodontia of any kind, make sure you follow the instructions you’ve been given by your dentist regarding your braces. Typically this includes forgoing chewing gum and crunchy foods. Those with braces must take special care to brush their teeth well, especially because flossing is very difficult with the mechanism in and small particles of food can get stuck.

If your feelings about the dentist go beyond a mild annoyance into real fear, you may want to look into a dental professional that provides sedation for his patients. This sedation is becoming more and more popular around the country, as fear of sitting in that dental chair and having work done is quite common. If you can’t find anyone near you that offers this option, consider bringing a soft ball that you can squeeze when the tension gets to be too much.

Finally, avoid or limit consumption of foods and drinks that can quickly lead to tooth decay. Coffee may not be so good when it comes to staining your teeth, but it is relatively harmless when it comes to the health of the enamel. It is sugar that is your main enemy. Soft drinks and candy are two of the worst offenders and should be avoided whenever possible. Of course, if having sparkling white teeth is your main concern, you should also be cautious about drinking coffee, red wine, and smoking cigarettes.