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Everyone needs dental care to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. Dental care is even more, demanding with people who need caregiving. Unlike others, they need help to maintain hygienic dental practices, such as daily cleaning, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. As a caregiver, you may need to always take the person you care for to the dentist’s office. Here is what to expect when visiting the dentist.

Prepare For the Visit

Preparing for the first visit and subsequent visits ensures your patient have all they need for the dental examination. It also helps you and the person you care for to prepare adequately for the visit. You can do ‘a get acquainted’ routine with the dental team for the first visit, so your patient gets acquainted and feels comfortable in subsequent appointments.

Below are some of the things you need to bring along as the caregiver:

Past and present medical records

The dental team will need the person’s complete medical record to start treatment. This may include a list of past and present medical problems, a copy of a recent physical examination from their doctor, a list of all known allergies, and your patient’s medications.

Medical History Form

The dental office may send you a medical history form to complete before the appointment. Fill out the individual’s medical problems, past surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, and any drug allergies and take along. If they do not send you this form, you still will need to provide this information before the dental examination.

Names and phone numbers

Of all the individual’s doctors and family members responsible for healthcare decisions. And most importantly, be on time for the appointment.

Insurance, and billing information

This is because the dentist may need to know who will be footing the bill and take legal consent before commencing treatment. So, it’s important to bring along all the necessary documents and information regarding payment and legal concerns.

What To Expect At The First Dental Visit?

  • A review of past and present medical problems: The dentist will review past and present medical conditions based on the information and records you have provided. This is to familiarize the dental team with the patient’s health status.
  • A check-up of the head and neck areas, mouth, and teeth are required to access dental health and spot problems earlier on.
  • The dentist may also do an x-ray of the teeth to check for any problems.

Other Tips

What To Do To Calm The Nerves Before Visiting The Dentist

Most people are usually nervous about appointments with the dentist. As a caregiver, you may need to make your patient comfortable for the appointment. Here are some of the things you can try.

Note: Daily mouth cleaning and routine visits to the dentist are important to keep the person you care for healthy.