A positive first impression can set the tone for a personal or professional relationship. As it relates to oral health, it is important to start things off on the right foot and build a connection with your dentist. Solidifying this relationship can help your dentist preserve not only the long-term health of your smile but your overall wellbeing.
Reducing Dental Anxieties
Part of the reason some patients avoid seeing the dentist is due to negative associations. Many assume that every single appointment involves aggressive plaque removal and potential discomfort. If you see your dentist regularly and practice good hygiene between visits, then these appointments can opportunities for assessment and maintenance rather than treatment.
During your initial visit, your dentist’s goal is to educate and provide preventive care, with an emphasis on maintaining healthy habits at home between visits. Consistent oral health habits can lessen the extensiveness of regular cleanings; with effective brushing and flossing in place, there can be a reduced need for thorough plaque removal.
Establishing Healthy Priorities
When you keep regular appointments with your dentist, you are making your overall health a priority. In order to grow accustomed to a dental environment and avoid some of the concerns commonly associated with appointments, your first visit should be a positive introduction. This is particularly true when it comes to children.
Parents are encouraged to go back with their children during early visits; this helps soothe the young patient so that they can sit comfortably during exams. Children often base their reactions off those of their parents, so it’s crucial that a parent approaches the situation with a calm, warm demeanor.
It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Health
Establishing a healthy relationship with your dentist can not only help you maintain your oral health but preserve your well-being in the long term. Even for patients without access to dental care early in life, it’s never too late to take steps to have your smile examined and improved.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
In order to preserve the health of your smile, it’s important to maintain regular visits with a dentist you can trust. At ABA Dental Clinic in Thunder Bay, Drs. James Mao and Sharon Lau provide their patients with service that prioritizes their wellbeing. Schedule your first or next appointment today!