Take the anxiety out of dentistry with some jokes. A long term relationship between a patient and their dentist can easily be formed through humor!
Going to the dentist is not always an enjoyable experience for some people. They may have preconceived ideas on what the dentist's office is like, had a bad experience as a child at a dentist, or are just worried the dentist may bring to light some issues they have been avoiding. Regardless of the reason, visiting the dentist regularly should be one of your top priorities to maintain your oral health. Going to the dentist does not have to be a scary experience. Connecting with your dentist, as well as preparing for your appointment, can help you to feel at ease and make the experience more enjoyable.
Find a Dentist You Can Get Along With
When you are researching dentists, do not be afraid to schedule an initial consultation. This can help you get a feel for what the dentist is like before you schedule an appointment. Every dentist is different and therefore personalities will vary. See if the dentist allows you a tour of the facility and notice if the office staff are friendly or seem disgruntled. Take note of how the dentist treats you during this tour and how much expertise they demonstrate.
Do Not Fall Behind With Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing regularly is one of the key components to helping ensure your appointment runs smoothly. Your dentist will be able to tell if you have not been brushing or flossing daily. This can lead to increased plaque buildup, as well as gum problems. The appointment may take longer, as more time may need to be spent cleaning the teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly helps to keep your gums, tongue, and teeth healthy by removing food and tartar buildup.
Make Note of Any Issues
If you are experiencing any oral health issues, make sure to make note of these to bring them up to your dentist. Your dentist will be able to listen to what is going on and provide you with a diagnosis, as well as possible treatment options. This could be everything from a root canal to treating TMJ disorder. Your dentist is there to make sure that your oral health remains optimal, so they will want to make sure you are free from any pain or possible conditions that could be impacting your oral health.
Reward Yourself
Visiting the dentist can sometimes fall on the backburner. However, visiting the dentist regularly is essential to our oral health. If you visit the dentist and leave the cavity-free, you should feel good about your accomplishment. Even stepping foot inside the dentist’s office can be daunting for some, so even the seemingly small victories deserve a reward. Spend some time doing something that you enjoy or take some time for yourself as a reward. Just make sure you do not indulge in any sugary treats that could land you back in the dentist’s chair before you know it.
Stay Consistent
Maintaining good oral health requires consistency. This means that you will need to follow the advice that the dentist gives you, which will include brushing and flossing regularly. This also means that you will need to schedule regular appointments with your dentist and go to those appointments. Scheduling an appointment once every five years is not consistent and could lead to further issues down the road.
Communicate With Your Dentist
If you feel nervous about your experience, communicate that with your dentist. They will take measures to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout your visit. Listed below are some jokes that can help to ease your mind and make communicating with your dentist more enjoyable.
What does the dentist of the year get?
A little plaque.
When do people visit the dentist?
They come at tooth-hurty.
What did the dentist tell the golfer?
He told him he has a hole in one!
What did the king go to the dentist?
He needed a new crown.
Why do dentists eat a lot of potatoes?
They are filling.
What did the dentist tell the computer?
You have Bluetooth.
Why did the math teacher call the dentist?
To get to the root of the problem.
Why did the deer get braces?
He was suffering from buck teeth.
Why did the dentist visit Panama?
He was trying to find the root canal.
Visiting your dentist does not have to be a daunting experience. Utilize these steps, as well as these jokes, to help make your visit to the dentist more enjoyable. Taking care of your oral health should be one of your top priorities. Stay consistent and always be prepared for your visit.