Brushing Before You Go

Do you really need to brush before you go?

Most dental teams appreciate a freshly brushed mouth, mainly because it is more comfortable for everyone and lets the dentist see the teeth clearly. It is not a test, though. Nobody expects flawless teeth, and a visit is not the moment to put on a performance.

What matters more is that your routine is steady in the weeks beforehand. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day, as dental organisations commonly advise. The visit then reflects how you actually look after your mouth.

Home, car or practice bathroom?

Brushing at home before you leave gives you time, a mirror and your own toothbrush, so it is usually the best option. A quick brush at the practice can help if you have just eaten, but a cramped bathroom and a nervous clock tend to produce a hurried job.

If you have no chance to brush, rinse with water and tell the team. They will clean what needs cleaning. A packet of interdental brushes or floss in your bag is handy, but there is no need to bring a whole kit.

What to avoid doing

Do not scrub harder or longer than normal in the hope of impressing anyone. Over-vigorous brushing can irritate your gums and, if your gums are already tender, can make bleeding look worse than usual. Gentle, thorough brushing is the aim.

Avoid strongly flavoured products that mask a taste or smell you are concerned about. If you have a bad taste or breath that does not go away, the dentist needs to know, and masking it makes it harder to describe.

• Do not brush so hard that your gums are sore
• Do not skip cleaning between your teeth just before the visit
• Do not use strong mouth fresheners to hide a persistent taste
• Do not eat sugary snacks right before arriving

Food and drink in the hours before

A light meal beforehand is fine unless you have been told to fast for a procedure, so check your appointment letter. If you have eaten, brush afterwards, or at least rinse with water, and try to avoid frequent sugary or acidic drinks in the hours before, since they stay on the teeth.

Water is the best thing to sip. If you are having treatment with sedation or an anaesthetic, follow the practice's instructions about eating and drinking exactly, and ask if anything is unclear.

Mention what you noticed while brushing

Brushing is often when you first notice something: a gum that bleeds, a tooth that twinges with cold water, a sore patch on the cheek. Tell your dentist rather than assuming it is trivial.

Bleeding that keeps happening, swelling, a loose tooth or a sore that does not heal deserves a call to the practice before the appointment, not a silent wait. For brushing technique, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you.

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