About 35% of adults have neglected to visit a dentist in the past year. Skipping appointments could put your oral health at risk. You might not realize you’re experiencing issues until the problem develops further.

Are you new to the area and visiting the dental clinic for the first time? Here are a few tips that can help. Learning how to prepare for the dentist will ensure you’re equipped and calm beforehand.

You can find all the answers to your questions to ensure you prioritize your oral health this year.

Make the most of your upcoming appointment. Learn what to do before going to the dental clinic with this helpful guide today.

1. Find the Right Dentist

When learning how to prepare for the dentist, it’s important to find the right professional first. Choosing a qualified, experienced dentist will give you peace of mind. You can feel confident knowing an expert is handling your oral care.

There are over 199,000 businesses and 1,082,000 professionals in the dental industry. Not every dentist will have the hands-on experience or services you’re searching for. Vet your options beforehand to make sure you find the right fit.

For example, you might want to choose a practice like ours that focuses on providing gentle and pain-free care.

Consider speaking with friends, family members, or coworkers in the area. Ask them about the dental clinic they visit. They can help you develop a list of options.

If your personal network can’t help provide referrals, that’s okay. Use your favorite search engine instead. Google “best dentist near me” and start creating a list of options.

Vetting Your Options

Look into each professional’s work history. You can visit their website’s “About Us” page or Healthgrades.com profile. Look for a dentist who has the proper credentials and an up-to-date license.

Try to find a dentist who has years of hands-on experience in the industry as well. Then, determine if they prioritize continuing their education. These professionals strive to remain up-to-date regarding new procedures and technologies.

They’ll likely offer the best possible treatments and services.

While you’re online, look into the dentist’s reputation, too. Check their Google My Business or BBB profile for reviews. Make sure they don’t have any medical malpractice claims filed against them.

During your search, pull up Google Maps as well. Determine where the clinic is located. You might want to find a practice located near your home, work, or school.

Then, call to schedule your first appointment!

2. Gather Your Info

When learning how to prepare for the dentist, it helps to gather your information beforehand. Make sure the clinic has your prior dental records on file. They should have a record of your:

• Previous dental procedures and treatments
• Allergies
• Medications you’re on
• Overall medical history

This information will help your dentist prepare for your upcoming visit, too. They’ll have a better understanding of your dental care needs. They can also take the necessary precautions if you have any allergies.

Call the dental practice you used to visit and ask them to transfer your records as soon as possible.

3. Create a List

Before your appointment, make a list of the dental problems you’ve experienced or questions you want to ask. Make sure to create a list of any symptoms you’re experiencing, too. For example, you might want to make a note of when you experience symptoms.

Consider what’s causing your symptoms and how severe they were as well.

Writing everything down beforehand will ensure you don’t forget to ask certain questions during your appointment. If you’re nervous, it’s normal to forget to ask certain questions.

For example, you might want to ask:

• What’s causing my symptoms
• What treatments might I need in the future
• Am I at risk of cavities or gingivitis
• Do I have any alignment issues
• Why am I grinding my teeth
• What treatments will improve the appearance of my smile

Your dentist will use the questions you ask to develop a customized treatment plan. With their help, you can determine which procedures you’ll need to accomplish your goals.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Before your appointment, plan to arrive a little early. You’ll likely need to fill out your new patient documents. Consider calling the dental clinic before your appointment.

They might allow you to fill out the necessary documents before you arrive.

Arriving early can help minimize your stress. It will also give you time to calm down if you feel nervous.

Plan to get a good night’s sleep before your appointment. Getting enough sleep can also help minimize your stress. You can feel fresh and energized before visiting the dental clinic.

5. Brush Thoroughly

As you learn what to do before going to the dental clinic, make a plan to brush and floss beforehand.

Avoid vigorously brushing, though. You don’t want to wear down your natural tooth enamel or gum pain. Instead, use the proper technique when brushing your teeth.

You can also talk to your hygienist during your appointment to ensure you’re brushing properly. Improving your oral hygiene habits can ensure your teeth remain clean and healthy.

6. Remain Open and Honest

Make a plan to remain honest and upfront about your concerns during your appointment.

If you’re feeling anxious, let your dentist know beforehand. It can help them if they’re aware of your feelings and concerns. They’ll likely know how to make the process a little easier for you, too.

7. Schedule Your Next Appointment

Don’t forget to schedule your next appointment before leaving the dental practice.

During the appointment, ask the dentist if they have any concerns about your oral health. They might need you to visit more often than every six months. If they don’t have any concerns, schedule your next cleaning and check-up within that period.

Remember, regular check-ups will ensure you catch any oral health concerns before they can develop further.

Brush Up: 7 Tips to Help You Prepare for a Visit to the Dental Clinic

You don’t have to feel nervous about your upcoming dental appointment. Instead, learn how to prepare for the dentist using these tips. Knowing what to do before going to the dental clinic can help you feel calm and in control.

Don’t forget to schedule your upcoming appointment with a dentist you can trust.

Eager to schedule your appointment? We can’t wait to see you.

Contact us today to get started.