Ready for Your Dental Cleaning?
Most people show up to their dental hygiene appointment with zero prep — and that's actually where most cleanings go sideways. A few small things you do (or skip) before walking in can genuinely change how effective your cleaning is and how smooth the visit goes. Should You Brush Before Your Appointment? Yes, brush your teeth before you go — but do it gently and at least 30 minutes before your appointment. This isn't about impressing your hygienist. Brushing removes surface debris and makes it easier for them to assess your actual gum health, not just leftover lunch. That said, aggressive brushing right before can temporarily irritate your gums and throw off the exam. Use a soft-bristle brush, skip the electric setting if you tend to press hard, and you're good. What you shouldn't do is skip brushing entirely thinking "they'll clean it anyway." That logic works in theory, but arriving with heavy plaque buildup actually takes more time to remove and can...