On my way to the dentist and I forgot to brush…
From the Other Side of the Drill
Sometimes, on the way to the dentist, I’ll forget to brush. Especially if I’m at work or something and have eaten before my appointment. I think this is sort of gross, but I feel silly apologizing or asking the dentist not to judge me. What’s the proper etiquette here?
Melynda (My dentist and lovely wife) says:
The dentist has most assuredly seen it all: mouths much worse than yours, as well as immaculate, sparkling mouths (though those are much more rare). Feel free to just ask the dentist for a toothbrush and some toothpaste so you can brush. Trust me, they have tons and you were probably going to get one anyway.
This avoids the tricky dilemma of answering “do I need to brush- I just ate and didn’t have time?” The dentist doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by demanding that they brush, and truthfully most don’t care too much about finding a little piece of leftover Dorito betwixt your teeth. But it will make the appointment more pleasant for you if you don’t have to worry about what the dentist/hygienist is thinking when they look at your teeth.
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POSTED IN: Food, From the Other Side of the Drill, Misc.
1 opinion for On my way to the dentist and I forgot to brush…
keister
Jan 3, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Melynda, what is the worse thing you have found in someone’s mouth?
hehe
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