Let’s be honest — a visit to the dentist isn’t at the top of everyone’s list of favorite things to do, but oral health is just as important as other aspects of wellness, like your fitness routine and diet.
And while it’s tempting to do a few “quick fixes” right before your cleaning, those last-minute actions can actually irritate your gums, mask underlying issues or make your appointment less effective overall.
Below, we talked to dentists to break down the pre-appointment habits they wish you’d skip — and what to do instead for a smoother, healthier cleaning.
Eating And Drinking Certain Ingredients Right Before Your Appointment
“Eating right before a cleaning leaves behind food particles, plaque and staining pigments that make it harder for your hygienist to properly evaluate your teeth and gums,” said Andrew-Sunjun Kim, a Los Angeles-based dentist at Enzo Dentistry. “When the mouth is coated with fresh debris, it can mask early signs of inflammation, tartar buildup and even small cavities that would otherwise be easy to detect.”
