You have probably heard the myth that you should not eat before you go to the dentist. This is, in reality, very untrue. For a variety of reasons, it is actually much more beneficial for you to eat before coming into our offices.
It can help us both as the appointment goes on. After you eat, though, just make sure that you brush and floss really well. It makes our jobs a little easier, and may relieve some of your stress over the appointment, as you won't have to worry about some embarrassing old kale stuck between your teeth or anything else for that matter.
Eat What You Want!
There really isn't a specific list of things that you should eat before your visit. Eating an apple or something of the like could be beneficial, as the fibers can act as a natural toothbrush and give you a bit of a head-start.
Avoiding foods like popcorn and garlic, though, could also be beneficial. Just make sure to brush and floss well after eating. Eating before your appointment can actually work in your favor, as it decreases the chances of getting lightheaded from stress or nerves, and will calm you if you fill up on something protein based.
Being hungry tends to lead to nervousness and/or irritability. Our dentists will appreciate it as well! If you are hungry, us poking around in your mouth causes salivation, which causes a lot of problems for our tools. We both benefit from a snack or small meal.
When it comes to dentist appointments, we know that you would rather be safe than sorry. In this case, though, the rumor mill is actually incorrect, and eating before a checkup generally works out better in the end.
A light snack or a small meal before getting on your way, food is definitely the way to go. Be sure to remember this the next time you come around. We hope to see you soon!
Please contact our office if you have any questions about you oral health.