Can I Eat Before My Dentist Appointment?
Most of us brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, but what else should (or shouldn't) we do before an appointment? What about eating? Should you or shouldn't you? This...
You deserve a life without cavities, and we’re here to make sure you have the tools you need to achieve a healthy smile. But we know that it can be difficult to put some recommendations into practice. If you’re still discovering cavities at exams, it can also become discouraging and sap motivation. Don’t get frustrated – get the facts behind your dental decisions. Finding ways to combine your different oral health efforts will lead to great results – and a cavity-free smile. Check out our general tips below, and schedule your next dental exam today.
A Comprehensive Approach to Your Oral Health
- Check in with your diet – We are what we eat – but we’re not always thinking about what that might be. We have to consume food to keep moving forward, but stress and excessive responsibilities mean we’re more often than not grabbing an energy bar or fast food. Take a moment to consider how you’ve been eating lately, and make sure your diet is tooth-friendly. No matter how much you brush and floss, it’s going to be harder to control plaque if your diet is filled with sugar and starches.
- Make sure your oral hygiene is effective – Brushing and flossing are only effective if they’re performed properly. We learn how to care for our teeth at a young age, and it’s common for our skills to slack off as time passes. Take this opportunity to give yourself a refresher on proper home dental care. Check out proper brushing and proper flossing techniques. And ask your hygienist how your hygiene is doing at your next appointment.
- Protect your teeth from themselves – We’re all stressed out – and thanks to grinding, so are our teeth. Bruxism is incredibly common, and leads to worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, and broken dental work. Get your teeth covered up at night with a custom mouth guard to protect against damage and soothe your jaw.
- Schedule exams at the right interval – That interval is different for each patient. While the universal recommendation is every six months, you may need to visit more or less often. Ask Dr. Hoffman what he recommends for your smile.
- Ask us questions – At each of your teeth cleanings, you have an opportunity to learn a whole lot about your teeth. We’ll communicate anything we notice, but we can’t read your mind. If there’s something that’s been bothering you or that you think might be helpful, check in with our staff at your next visit. We love answering patients’ questions and teaching them more about their oral health!
