You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.
The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
How to Make Dental Visits More Pleasant
Sofia Curtis
It's not uncommon for people to feel some apprehension about going to the dentist. There are a lot of unfamiliar smells, sights, and sounds that many people find unsettling. However, it's important to have a dentist check your teeth for cavities regularly. Here are a few ways you can make routine dental visits more pleasant:
1. Don't skip appointments.
People with healthy teeth are advised to see their dentist for routine checkups every six months. Seeing your dentist twice a year gives them a chance to professionally clean your teeth using scaling techniques and tooth polish. Regular cleaning can keep cavities at bay, which means you won't have to worry about needles or other painful procedures when you do go to the dentist.
2. Bring your sunglasses.
While you're in the dentist's chair, you will be asked to put on safety glasses which will protect your eyes from flying liquid or debris. This is for your safety, but some people find the feeling of an unfamiliar object on their face unpleasant. If you bring your sunglasses, you can wear them instead. The familiarity of your sunglasses can be comforting.
3. Listen to music.
Listening to music during your dentist appointment can help the time pass more quickly. Most of what people find objectionable about the dentist's office tends to be the sounds that happen there; the scraping of a tool against your teeth or the whir of a drill can make you feel anxious. Listening to music will give you something to focus on, in addition to drowning out the less pleasant sounds. Make sure to wear headphones or earbuds that don't get in your dentist's way. If your dentist needs to communicate with you, they may need to remove your earphones temporarily, so be prepared for that.
4. Go with your family.
Dental care is important for the entire family. As soon as kids' first teeth emerge, they should start seeing a dentist for regular checkups. Since the entire family needs to see the dentist, it makes sense to schedule your appointments together. Going to the dentist with your family will allow you to keep each other company in the waiting room. To make this realistic, choose a family dentist who is trained to assist patients of all ages. Family dental clinics can provide the care young children need while performing general dentistry for adults.
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