Along with practicing good oral hygiene at home, visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings is one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy smile. During these visits, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, X-rays will be taken, and a dental exam will be performed to ensure that no oral health issues are developing. To make your next dental checkup go as smoothly as possible, continue reading to learn four helpful tips.
Tip #1: Figure Out Your Financials
Before attending your dental checkup, figure out how you’re going to pay for treatment. If you have dental insurance, it likely comes with two complimentary checkups and cleanings per year. But, if you don’t have insurance, consider speaking with your dental office about alternatives, such as dental financing through companies like CareCredit or LendingClub.
Tip #2: Make Sure to Brush and Floss
As previously mentioned, practicing good oral hygiene at home is key to a healthy beam. This includes brushing your teeth once in the morning and once at night for a full two minutes each time. Additionally, be sure to floss every night before you go to bed.
If you don’t start taking care of your teeth until it’s time for your next dental checkup, your dentist will be able to tell. Properly caring for your teeth allows your dental visits to go smoother and quicker. You’ll also save money by avoiding the need for restorative treatments down the line.
Tip #3: It’s Polite to Be on Time
Dentists tend to have really busy schedules. From seeing patients who made appointments ahead of time to treating dental emergencies to attending to other responsibilities, their days are often packed. For this reason, make sure to get to your appointments on time. Not only will this be courteous to your dental team, but it will also make your appointments go quicker.
Additionally, if you are a new patient who needs to fill out paperwork, try to arrive at least 10 to 20 minutes early. This will give you time to complete all of your forms without cutting into your appointment slot.
Tip #4: Provide an Update on Your Status and Ask Questions
If you had an ongoing oral health issue the last time you saw your dentist, give them an update on how things are going. Additionally, if you have diabetes or other overall health conditions that can affect your smile, make sure to make your dentist aware of this. This will allow them to adjust your treatment plan to better fit your needs.
About the Practice
Dr. Mark E. Lawton offers a range of advanced dental treatments and techniques to keep your smile looking and functioning at its best. This includes dental checkups and thorough cleanings to prevent and treat oral health problems. With his help, you’ll receive the care you need to maintain a gorgeous grin that you love. If you are ready to learn more about Dr. Lawton’s services or want to request a consultation, call his office at (832) 353-2962 or visit his website.