Patient POV: Making Dental Visits Go Smoothly

Sure, the dentist can be scary. Especially if you're slated to undergo the drill, you might feel some understandable nerves. But the truth is, going to the dentist is an important and relatively easy part of your health care routine. If you see the doctor twice a year, as recommended by most dentists, you'll probably be fine.

According to an askthedentist.com article, How often should I go to the dentist for teeth cleaning, if you have no risk factors for a periodontal disease you may be able to get away with going to the dentist less frequently, but only if this has been approved by your dentist. Those who have lots of risk factors may need to go more often, so it's good to check in with your dentist frequently to ensure your mouth stays healthy long-term.

So how do you properly take care of your mouth and make sure our dentist visits go well. Let's review some best practices for keeping our mouths in the best possible condition.

How to brush your teeth

The American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) published a standard checklist for proper brushing and effective dental hygiene. It suggests using a toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not scratch and irritate teeth or damage gums.

Follow these 5 steps:

1. Place bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
2. Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back and forth rolling motion. A rolling motion is when the brush makes contact with the gumline and is moved downward toward the chewing surface. Move brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.
3. Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush using back, forth and rolling motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
4. Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up and down strokes using the front half of the brush.
5. Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back and forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.

How to floss your teeth

The ADHA also has a standard checklist for how to properly floss your teeth, as flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and gumline, where periodontal disease often begins.

Follow these four Steps:

1. Wind about 18" of floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving 1"-2" length between. Use thumb to direct floss between upper teeth.
2. Keeping same 1"-2" length floss, use your index finger to guide floss between lower teeth.
3. Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Gently wrap the floss around the side of the tooth.
4. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Do your best to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Replacing your toothbrush

According to the ADHA, it's important to remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Researchers have established that thousands of microbes grow on toothbrush bristles and handles. Most are harmless, but others can cause cold and flu viruses, the herpes virus that causes cold sores and bacteria that can cause periodontal infections.

What type of toothbrush should you use?

Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth.

But then there is the decision between hand-held or electric toothbrushes. Is one better than the other? According to Marla Dunlap, Director of Concorde's Dental Hygiene Program in Memphis, TN, the real answer to the question isn't so cut and dried. “In my opinion, there is not a best choice here," she said. "It's merely what works best for the patient and their oral health needs."

"Research shows electric toothbrushes are superior for removing dental bacterial plaque," said Diane Osso, Dental Hygiene Program Director at Concorde's campus in Aurora, Colo. "The main reason for this statistical difference is because the general public has a lack of understanding how to properly brush with a manual brush," she said. "Electric toothbrushes take technique errors out of the equation; the brush does the work for you."

"In conclusion," Dunlap said, "either brush is effective and successful if the user follows recommendations and instructions for use and of course flosses and visits the dentist regularly."

Is the toothpaste used important?

It is important that you use toothpaste that's right for you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which toothpaste is right for you.

YOUR DENTAL CHECKUP

Your dental checkup is a prime mode of defense against cavities and other diseases of the mouth, such as gingivitis. It's important that your dentist catch such problems early because you'll have a much easier time dealing with them than if you let them go too long.

other things to remember

Brushing your teeth is an absolute must when it comes to your dental care routine, but also consider the following:

• Clean between teeth daily with floss. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams

CAREERS IN DENTAL HEALTH

Less worried about going to the dentist and more interested in working for a dentist? Then check out our Dental Assistant program. You can complete the program in as few as eight months, and enjoy working in a professional office setting with dentists who are at the top of their game.

Or you might choose the online Dental Hygiene degree path, a program that only takes 17 months to complete and will put you on the path to success in the dental field.

Bottom line: There's no reason to be afraid of your dental checkups. Dentists, hygienists, and assistants are typically kind, professional people who love what they do and just want the best for you and your oral health.

Isn't it nice to know that those at your dental office have a lot of quality training? You can join their ranks. Contact Concorde today to learn about your options.