Tips For Your Next Cleaning Appointment
I recently had my teeth cleaned and, as happens when you’re on the receiving end of treatment, I noticed things from the patient’s point of view.
What Shall We Talk About?
The first is that my dentist never stops talking. Since we’re friends, I enjoy hearing what’s going on in his life. But you may not want to know about your dentist’s children and their many accomplishments.
He also peppers me with questions, none of which I can answer because – obviously – my mouth is open and filled with sharp tools. (We really should go to lunch.)
Tip #1: Bring a list of 2-3 dental related concerns and give this to your dentist or hygienist before the appointment. This makes productive use of the appointment time and focuses the discussion on your dental health.
It’s also a good way to engage the dentist or hygienist who stays completely quiet as they’re cleaning your teeth. But if your appointment is for a procedure that requires more concentration, then allow your dentist to work in silence.
Critical Screening Information
As my teeth are being cleaned, I also want my dentist to check my mouth. He doesn’t need to inspect every filling, but there are specific evaluations I consider mandatory:
Oral cancer screening – The soft tissue, tongue, and roof of the mouth should be examined for any swellings, ulcers, or lesions. The underside and the lateral edges of the tongue should be checked. Some bumps may not be visible but rather can be felt with a gloved finger. The same applies to feeling for any swollen lymph nodes in the neck area.
Periodontal exam – Once a year, and more frequently if you have gum problems, your dentist should perform a periodontal charting. A probe is gently placed between the gum and different locations of each tooth to measure the depth. A normal measurement is 3 millimeters or less. While normal measurements may not need to be written down, any deep pockets should be recorded and monitored.
Tip #2: You’re not being pushy by asking about either exam. Your dentist or hygienist may have done it and simply not informed you that everything is normal. Or they may have unwittingly overlooked the exam or performed the periodontal charting six months ago. It doesn’t hurt to inquire.
Am I Brushing Well Enough?
We brush our teeth morning and night, but we have no basis for evaluating the effectiveness of our brushing. Maybe you breathe into the palm of your hand to check for bad breath. That’s hardly objective or sufficient. Your cleaning appointment is the perfect time to have your brushing evaluated.
Tip #3: Brush your teeth before your appointment, then refrain from eating. Tell your dentist or hygienist what you’ve done and ask them how well you’re brushing. Have them point out specific areas where you need to improve. If you’re using a manual brush, that’s the ideal opportunity to ask if an electric toothbrush might serve your needs better.
Think Ahead
On my way out, I declined scheduling my next cleaning appointment, citing unknowable schedules. The smarter move would have been to schedule something. Did you know that there is a national shortage of dental hygienists, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic? So by the time you realize it’s time to get your teeth cleaned, you may be waiting many months for an opening.
Tip #4: Schedule your next appointment on the way out. Those coveted early morning or late afternoon time slots won’t be available later.
Understand Your Bill
Are you one of those people who taps your credit card at a restaurant and barely glances at the bill? Or do you examine it in near-dark lighting and wonder what all the added charges mean?
You may be equally mystified about your dental bill. A dental cleaning bill may include the following:
A simple cleaning where no anesthetic is used
A “periodontal recall” or deep cleaning that may involve anesthetic and/or more time
X-rays
An examination where teeth, gums, soft tissue, joints, X-rays, and the oral cavity are evaluated. This would include the aforementioned oral cancer screening and periodontal exam.
