My first dental appointment here in France

The last time I went to see a dentist in the Philippines was in 2018. When I got pregnant in 2019, I started having trouble with my gums. I could feel the sensitivity and bleeding of my gums. I was thinking that I actually had problem with my teeth.

I always brush my teeth. I floss everyday. I gargle using a mouthwash or Listerine. Still, the sensitivity never go away. Until I see the dentist yesterday.

Yesterday was my first time to see a dentist here in France. After having 2 kids in less than 2 years, I finally have my dental check up. It is part of my health care benefits here so I need to grab the opportunity.

What is my experience here in France? Well, it was actually quick. I think the teeth cleaning took only less than 20 minutes.

I remember well in the Philippines that the dentist always has an assistant.

Example:

The assistant prepares the tissue to be put around your neck in case you need to wipe out your saliva.

The assistant prepares water when you need to gargle.

The assistant prepares the toothpaste and other tools that were all sanitised.

In short, the assistant is visible when the dentist starts to clean your teeth.

Here in France, well, with my yesterday's experience, the dentist handles everything. He never needed a helping hand.

He gave me a tissue but he never let me take a pause to SPIT. He used a little vacuum in the mouth so my mouth remains dry. The vacuum took out the saliva from my mouth. His job was very quick. He removed the tartar or that yellow stains from my teeth. He put fluoride in the end. That's it, it was so quick.

The dentist finds my teeth nice so I don't have any big problem with my teeth.

In the end, he let me spit in the sink with a glass of water. There was a little blood stuck in my throat. I checked the mirror as well. My teeth feels better.

After the cleaning session, I went to the reception to see his assistant. The assistant asked for my social security and assurance medical number. It took more time to process than the actual cleaning. Later, she resolved it. I was free to go. Yes, it's free so I don't need to pay anything.

At night, I brush my teeth before I go to sleep. To my surprise, the sensitivity is now gone. I feel confident now.

I just told my husband the comparison between my experience in the Philippines and France. Especially, the vacuum part. Hahaha!

I like how quick and efficient the dentist is.