Every dentist appointment is a vital step towards maintaining excellent oral health. Therefore, building a great and lasting relationship with a reliable dentist is never a bad idea. As with all relationships, mutual respect is always a key to success. One thing that is guaranteed to make your dentist happy is when you observe proper dentist appointment etiquette.
Before your Dentist Appointment
While it is okay to freshen up your mouth if you have eaten before a dentist appointment, brushing your teeth is not good etiquette. Your dentist will want to identify any underlying issues you may have – many of which are masked by fresh smelling breath. Bad breath is a symptom that dentists look for, so unless you absolutely have to, there is no need to brush your teeth before a dentist appointment.
Before your dentist appointment, avoid working out or anything else that will make you sweat excessively. Neither you nor your dentist will appreciate the experience. If you are suffering from a contagious illness such as the flu, it is a good idea to reschedule your appointment. Your dentist will appreciate your honesty and consideration for the practice staff and other patients. On a related note, if you are unable to attend your dentist appointment for any reason it is good etiquette to let the practice know rather than simply missing the appointment.
During your Dentist Appointment
If you want to receive the best treatments for your needs, do not withhold information from your dentist. Every dentist appointment represents a chance for you to improve your overall oral health. If you lie to your dentist you are essentially limiting the quality of treatment that you receive. You should also feel free to ask any questions you may have. Your dentist will not expect you to know everything about oral healthcare, so there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Be polite but not so polite that you have a bad experience. A good dentist will want to know if you have had bad experiences during a dentist appointment – regardless of whether it was in the past or present. Sharing your experiences will only serve to strengthen the relationship between you and your dentist and help the practice make improvements that benefit every patient.
At Pearland Family Dentistry we are committed to forging close relationships with our patients. That is why we want you and your family to join ours. Call Pearland today to join our practice and discover what family dentistry is all about.