Teeth Cleaning Pre-Visit Instructions
What You Should Do Before Your Teeth Cleaning
Preparing for your Dental Cleaning appointment ensures a smooth experience and allows your dental hygienist to provide the best care possible. Even if you maintain excellent oral hygiene, professional cleaning is essential for removing plaque, tartar, and stains that home care cannot address. Following these simple pre-visit instructions will help make your appointment stress-free and effective.
Eat Normally Before Your Appointment
- Have a healthy breakfast or lunch as you typically would.
- Avoid eating heavy or sticky foods immediately before your appointment to minimize debris in your mouth.
Medications and Medical Considerations
- Take your usual medications as prescribed unless directed otherwise by your doctor or dentist.
- Inform your dentist of any recent changes in your medications or medical history.
- Antibiotics: If you require antibiotic prophylaxis (e.g., for joint replacements or heart valve issues), take the prescribed dose one hour before your appointment.
Maintain Daily Oral Hygiene
Leading up to your appointment, ensure your teeth and gums are in their best possible condition:
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush at least twice daily, ideally after meals, to maximize cleanliness between meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush like the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush or consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush such as the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100.
- Floss Regularly: Flossing removes plaque and food particles that toothbrushes can’t reach. Use products like GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or flossers such as Sunstar GUM Advanced Care Flossers. For tight spaces, try interdental brushes like GUM Proxabrush.
- Add a Water Flosser: Incorporate a water flosser like the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser to flush out debris missed by floss and toothbrushes. Aim to use it at least once daily.
- Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash such as Crest Gum Care Mouthwash Oral Rinse to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
- Toothpaste: Switch to a gum-care toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste to neutralize harmful bacteria and promote gum health.
Dress Comfortably
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure you’re relaxed during the appointment.
- Avoid light-colored or white tops to prevent visible staining from polishing materials.
- Minimal makeup is recommended, and avoid high heels, gel nail polish, and jewelry (especially oral piercings like tongue or lip studs).
Plan for Comfort During the Visit
- Bring headphones to listen to music or a podcast if it helps you relax.
Review Post-Visit Instructions
- Familiarize yourself with the teeth cleaning post-visit instructions. Understanding what to do afterward can ensure the benefits of your cleaning last longer.
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at Atlas Dental.
