4 Reasons Why a Germophobe Doesn't Need To Worry at the Dentist

In a medical business that deals with mouths, bacteria, and germs, a person who is a self-described germophobe may initially feel nervous about making an appointment. The truth is that a dentist's office will provide one of the cleanest medical environments you could expose yourself to.

Before you go to your appointment, learn about the extra efforts that a dentist goes through to provide you with a clean and sterile environment. The different aspects will add to your comfort level and help the experience go as smoothly as possible.

1. Hygienist & Dentist Protective Gear

For any germophobe, the idea of someone getting close to your mouth could feel unsettling. Fortunately, all of the dentists and hygienists wear protective gear for any type of dental procedure. This includes fresh pairs of gloves for their hands, a face mask, and goggles.

Additionally, the protection goes both ways as you have cleanings and procedures completed. A patient will typically wear a paper bib, but you may have the opportunity to request a full-body gown if you want added protection on your body. A dentist will go out of their way to ensure you are comfortable throughout your whole appointment.

2. Tool Sterilization & Protection

The dental tools used on your mouth go through a rigorous cleaning process. A dentist will use a state-of-the-art cleaning machine that ensures the tools are properly sterilized. While the machines may vary from office to office, one of the more common ones includes a steam autoclave. The advanced machine uses a steam process to properly clean tools.

The steam cleaning process has been approved by the CDC for proper sterilization. Once complete, the tools get packaged in tight seals until they are ready to be used by a patient. This ensures the tools stay clean and do not get dirty in any way.

3. Patient Room Cleaning

The room you visit for your dentist appointment also goes through a rigorous cleaning process. Chairs get fully wiped down, anti-bacterial cleaning wipes get used, and the room is cleaned daily from wall to wall. Before you come in, each element is covered in single-use plastic to add another layer of protection.

For example, a dental chair will have a plastic cover on it that only you will sit on. This ensures you are not exposed to any other germs or elements from other patients.

4. Water Delivery Systems

In many cases, a dentist appointment will include some type of oral rinse to either clear out your mouth or provide a little extra hydration. If you drink from a cup, then the cup will typically be a single-use paper or plastic cup that comes wrapped in plastic. The water you drink will also come from a special delivery system that filters the water and provides clean sources.

You do not need to worry about drinking well water or city water with random elements in it. The water delivery system will give you the cleanest water possible so you can feel good if you need a drink or need to swish the water around your mouth.

Dentist offices use a variety of water delivery systems. If this is one of your concerns, then you have the opportunity to ask the office what type of water delivery system they provide for patients. An employee can go over the details so you will feel comfortable with any water exposure during your appointment.

Feel comfortable when you book an appointment with us at Carlino & Paton, DDS PC. We have clean and sterile offices that will provide you with the dental care you need in an environment that fits your personal preferences. Call us today to set up your appointment.