Is there anyone better to ask about how to achieve your dream smile than your local dentist? To make sure you have everything you need to know ready and waiting at your fingertips, we’re going to share the wise words of some of our local area’s finest, most trusted dental experts. And if you’re a dentist looking for a quick recap on the best ways to engage with and educate your patients, bookmarking this quick read is the way to go.
Employ the correct brushing technique
Every dentist has a responsibility to demonstrate the correct technique to their patients, and patients have a responsibility to themselves to put it into practice. Studies have consistently shown that dentists who invest in a set of demonstration teeth and demo brushing techniques achieve the best patient outcomes.
Sometimes all it takes is a quick visual demonstration so that the patient can see the nuances and fine details with their own eyes. If you’re the patient, ask to have a quick go so that the dentist can double-check that you’ve understood exactly what they showed you.
Don’t overlook the gums
Gently brushing the gums is something that many patients miss and yet every dentist will highlight its importance. Creating healthy, sustainable habits that allow you to make small improvements to your oral health on a daily basis is what matters here. Dentists can play a pivotal role in this process by showing the gum brushing technique as part of the demonstration mentioned in the previous section.
Flossing after food helps
A simple pack of floss can remove food debris straight after eating and ensure that oral hygiene is no longer something that has to wait until bedtime. Dentists who can stock and recommend a trusted brand and size of floss will be able to make a real difference in patient outcomes. If they source what they need from a national supplier who will always maintain their stock levels, they can also secure an additional revenue stream with minimal effort. It’s a win-win for patients and practices.
Explore interdental brushing
Dentists who recommend specialist interdental brushes from a trusted national supplier can also help improve patient outcomes with a simple change of habit. If you’re a patient reading this and you have never heard of this new type of brushing, ask your dentist for more information. When practices and patients work together in this way, both parties can achieve outcomes that are so much better.
Invest in an effective mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great way to kill bacteria that can quickly result in plaque buildup and eventually cause decay. A dentist who stocks an approved mouthwash will be able to sell it to patients then and there, ensuring that every patient leaves their appointment with exactly what they need to maintain a healthy, happy smile. When it comes to your mental health, looking after your overall wellbeing, which includes your teeth can gelp.
Opt for a lower-sugar diet
Patients who reduce their sugar intake will be actively protecting their enamel and dentists who recommend shifting to whole foods will be making a difference to patient outcomes. (lower-sugar diets will also help you lose weight). The key here is to suggest or make changes that are achievable rather than trying to change everything overnight. Thinking about small changes that can be easily followed for several weeks is the way to approach this. You can then build from there and continually make progress while also taking better care of your teeth.
The importance of regular check-ups
This point applies as much to dentists as it does to the patients themselves. If you want to make sure that patient outcomes are optimised, you need to actively push your patients to seek regular help and support.
If you’re one of the patients reading this, you need to make sure you book in with your dental practice in advance to make sure you don’t miss your appointment. Getting checked regularly is the best way to make sure that small problems are caught long before they have a chance to become big issues.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and that means it’s a key part of forming the right first impression. The more effort you put into maintaining it and looking after it, the more you’ll be able to walk out the door with your head held high and a smile on your face.
