Creating A Perfect Smile Creating A Perfect Smile

If you have an upcoming dental appointment, you probably want it to go as well as possible for both you and your dentist. Therefore, there are a few things that you shouldn't do in the hours before your appointment. For best results, skip these four things.

1. Brush Your Teeth Too Hard

It can seem natural to want to do a really thorough job of brushing and flossing your teeth before your appointment, but you shouldn't overdo it. Brushing your teeth too hard can actually cause damage to your enamel, and flossing your teeth vigorously can cause your gums to bleed. Both can cause irritation that can interfere with what your dentist is doing. Plus, you won't be able to fool your dentist anyway; he or she will be able to tell if you've been keeping up with your at-home dental routine, regardless of how thoroughly you try to clean your mouth before your appointment.

2. Eat Something Smelly for Breakfast or Lunch

Skip the onions, garlic and other smelly foods before your appointment. Although your dentist might be used to it, he or she will feel a lot more comfortable if you have fresh breath. Plus, you can relax during your appointment instead of worrying about whether or not your breath smells bad.

3. Have a Drink

If you are nervous about your dental appointment, then you might be tempted to have an alcohol beverage or two to help calm down. This isn't a good idea, however; the alcohol can actually mix with any numbing medication or other medication that your dentist might give you during your appointment. Instead, talk to your dental professional about your fears so that he or she can take things slowly. If you are extremely nervous about your appointment, you can even talk to your dental professional about sedation dentistry.

4. Put On Too Much Makeup

It's best not to put on a full face of makeup before your dental appointment, and you should especially skip heavy makeup on your lips. Your dentist might get it on his or her gloves or on your teeth, or it could get smeared on your face during the appointment. Instead, go fresh-faced until you leave your appointment.

For your dental appointment to go as well as possible, avoid these things. Not only is your dentist sure to appreciate it, but you might find that he or she is able to be more thorough as well. This can help you both have a more enjoyable experience next time that you go to the dentist.