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Despite the time-honored wisdom that we should visit a dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months, many of us just … don’t. According to the CDC, around 35% of Americans have not visited the dentist in the last year. If it’s been a long while for you, and you’re planning to get back in the dentist chair, congratulations: You’re making the right decision for your health, self esteem, and eating power.

“The first step is making an appointment,” Dr. Ruchi Sahota, the American Dental Association’s consumer advisor spokesperson and a family dentist, told me. “pick up the phone or go online. Click the ‘make an appointment.’ Because you have to get into the office so that you can at least find out what your options are.”

Once you’ve made that appointment, here’s what to expect and how to prepare for your dentist visit.

What information should you bring to the dentist?

According to Dr. Sahota, if you’re returning to the dentist after a long time away, you should let the doctor know what kind of toothbrush and toothpaste you’re using, and what tool you’re using to clean between your teeth too. You should also come prepared to discuss non-tooth-related health issues.

“It’s important to know what kind of medicines you’re taking and what kind of things you’re seeing your physician for,” Dr. Sahota said. “Because remember, dentists are doctors of the mouth and head. And there are many issues that can be happening in the rest of your body that you can see a sign of inside your mouth. There’s links to diabetes, cardiac issues—there’s a long list of issues that have a link to poor dental health.”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

If you’re returning to a dentist after a long absence, you’ll no doubt have questions and concerns to discuss with your dentist. To make sure you don’t forget anything, take notes. “Going back to any kind of a doctor after a long time can be overwhelming,” Dr. Sahota explained. “So a great routine to have is to write down any questions you might have for them.”

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Photo: sujit kantakat (Shutterstock)

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