Visiting the dentist for the first time can be a bit unnerving. You’re putting your mouth in the hands of someone who has been trained to keep your teeth in good working order. However, it is important to remember that your first visit to the dentist is just a start. You should continue to visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy and strong. If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, it’s important to know what to expect during your first visit so that you don’t get too freaked out or put off dental care all together. Here are some important things to know before your first dental appointment so that you can relax and enjoy the experience without stressing about what might come next!

Your first visit checklist

Before you walk into the dental office for the first time, it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what you want to accomplish on that first visit. This will help make your first dental appointment go much more smoothly. Here are some things you might want to include on your checklist as you prepare to visit the dentist for the first time:

  • Confirm the date and time of your first dental appointment

  • Confirm your insurance coverage and payment plan

  • Decide what you want to get done on your first visit, including any cleaning or extractions (if necessary)

  • Bring any previous records or documents regarding your oral health history

  • Bring any current medications that you are taking

What to expect during your first visit

At the start of your first dental visit, your dentist will take an initial look at your teeth and gums to determine what they recommend for your cleaning. If you have a dental cleaning scheduled, your teeth will be thoroughly flossed, pumiced, and scalded to remove bacteria and plaque build-up. If you have a thorough cleaning as part of your first dental visit, you can expect to see a significant difference in the health of your teeth and gums after only a few days. You will be amazed at how clean your teeth feel after this thorough cleaning!Next, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for any signs of cavities or other issues. If there are any cavities in need of treatment, your dentist may fill them with a restoration, but this is rare. In most cases, your dentist will recommend a fluoride treatment at the time of your cleaning to help protect your teeth from future cavities.

Taking care of your teeth at home

After your first visit to the dentist, you will have a better idea of what to do at home to take care of your teeth. Here are some helpful tips to follow at home:

  • Brushing

  • Daily brushing is the most important thing you can do to help keep your teeth clean. You should brush at least twice a day to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. You should brush your teeth for two minutes, concentrating on the hard-to-reach areas such as the insides of your front teeth, your back teeth, the roof of your mouth, and the side of your face.To help brush your teeth properly, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride.

  • Flossing

  • Using floss to clean between your teeth is an important part of your daily brushing routine. You should floss once a day to remove food and bacteria build-up between your teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone.

  • Using mouthwash

  • While brushing and flossing are important ways to keep your teeth clean, you should also use mouthwash once or twice a day to help fight against bad breath. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.

Bottom line

Remember, your first dental visit is just the beginning of a long, healthy relationship with your teeth. Make sure you keep up with routine check-ups so your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong, and start this relationship off on the right foot by following the advice outlined above!