Routine dental checkups are a key part of preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health conditions. While there are some general rules of thumb when you walk into a dentist’s office, there may also be some things you never knew about oral health. Staff at Ake Family Dentistry in Little Rock have lent their expertise to discuss things dentists and dental hygienists want you to know about oral health.
What to Know Before You Walk In
Dentist offices are sort of like doctors’ offices. You must call or speak to the front desk to make an appointment. Dental appointments are usually scheduled every six months to ensure proper hygiene and preventive care.
Show up early on the day of your appointment to ensure you have time to complete any insurance information or other important paperwork. The staff at the dentist’s office will help you clean your teeth and provide expert guidance on keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy.
“Don’t be nervous,” Ake Family Dentistry staff says. “Our goal is never to judge you. It is to help you.”
Misconceptions About Dental Cleanings
There are a lot of rumors about dental cleanings online. It’s important to know the facts and ask a dental professional before making any assumptions. One common myth is that your teeth are healthy if they are not hurting.
“People believe that if their teeth do not hurt, then everything is fine,” Ake Family Dentistry staff says. “The truth is that dental problems usually do not begin to hurt until they become more serious.”
Routine checkups help ensure teeth and gums stay clean and healthy before they ever hurt or cause problems.
Ake Family Dentistry also warns about the do-it-yourself teeth-whitening hacks you see on apps like TikTok and Instagram. What you see may not always be the truth.“These ‘hacks’ patients see can easily damage your enamel and do more harm than good,” the staff says.
Read about lots of other myths and rumors about dental health and hygiene you should know before your next visit.
Things You May Not Know About Brushing and Flossing
Most of us are taught the importance of brushing and flossing twice a day at an early age. It should only take about 2 minutes to brush your teeth. These are hard-and-fast rules you’ll often hear from your dentist or dental hygienist. But did you know there are some common mistakes most patients make when cleaning their teeth?
“One common thing we see a lot is waiting too long to replace your toothbrush,” Ake Family Dentistry says. “We recommend replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months.”
You may not think to share what medicines you’re taking or what health conditions you have with your dentist. They’re just there to make sure your teeth are clean and shiny, right? Well, Ake Family Dentistry says this is actually really important information for your dentist to know upfront.
“Your overall health affects your dental health. Just like your dental health affects your overall health. Diabetes, heart disease, and complications during pregnancy can all have an impact on your dental health,” the staff says. “Bacteria in your mouth can travel to other parts of your body and cause problems in other spots, too.”
Children’s dental health is also very important. Baby teeth set the foundation for adult teeth. Teaching kids to brush their teeth and floss when they’re young can set them up for good health as they grow. 
“Start early with adequate oral health and dental care to help your child’s future smiles,” Ake Family Dentistry says.
What Else is Important to Know About Dental Health?
Dental anxiety is more common than you think. Luckily, the staff at your local dentist’s office is there to help. When you arrive for your dental cleaning, ask as many questions as you need about the process. They will help explain everything to you and make sure you feel as comfortable as you can before they start any cleanings.
Once you become more comfortable with the process, you can ask more specific questions about your dental health, such as “How can I improve my oral health at home?”
“Every patient is different, and we are happy to provide personal recommendations for how to keep your healthy smile,” Ake Family Dentistry says. “We want you to ask questions. If something is bothering you, let us know! We work together as a team to help you stay healthy.”
Final Thoughts
Oral hygiene is just as important as your overall health. Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. There is plenty of great information available about what to expect at your next dental checkup. Dentists’ offices are always willing and able to help you stay healthy. They are trained professionals who are there to help guide you toward a healthy smile and answer any questions you have along the way.
Information and expertise from this blog post were provided by Brooke Conner, office manager, Gracie Mason, RDH, and Ashley Pulapakuri, RDH, dental professionals at Ake Family Dentistry in Little Rock, Arkansas.
