Should I Brush My Teeth Right Before Going to the Dentist?

Dental cleanings are very important. By receiving them every six months or so, you can keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Of course, dental cleanings are not a substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth daily at home. You are responsible for adhering to a proper at home oral hygiene routine and cannot depend on professional cleanings twice a year to help you achieve optimal oral health.

It’s a good idea to view dental cleanings as a supplement to your at home efforts. When paired with a proper at home oral hygiene routine, they can reduce the risk of cavities, stop tooth loss, brighten your smile, freshen your teeth, and save you money on expensive treatments down the road.

If you’ve been going to the dentist regularly for quite some time, you brush your teeth right before your appointments. This is a common practice that many of our patients do. We actually encourage this because it generally means our dental hygienist won’t have as much debris to clean off your teeth. If you’ve already cleaned away loose food and debris, there won’t be as much scaling necessary. You’ll likely face less soreness and gum irritation during and after your appointment.

Keep in mind, however, that if you only brush your teeth right before your appointment and have been doing a poor job caring for your teeth on other days, you put yourself at risk for dental conditions and compromise your oral health. Therefore, you should always brush your teeth, not just when a hygienist and dentist are about to see them.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning at Wells Family Dental Group

If you’d like to schedule a dental cleaning at our office, don’t hesitate to contact our office today at 919-266-5332.