If you've ever fibbed about how much you floss or found yourself trying to talk mid-cleaning, you're not alone. Many of us head to the dentist with good intentions, but some of the things we do — often without realising it — actually end up slowing down or disrupting the care we're there to get. We spoke with several dentists to find out which habits they'd love their patients to stop, and what to do instead, so your next checkup is easier and more comfortable for everyone.

Lying about brushing or flossing

Perhaps the most common slip-up at the dentist's office is patients stretching the truth about their oral hygiene habits. "I notice that patients often exaggerate about how frequently they brush and floss," says Whitney White, DDS/DMD, a dentist and practice owner at Aspen Dental. "We always ask about oral hygiene during routine visits, and I think some patients feel like they have to say they floss daily and brush twice a day — whether it's true or not. But their gums usually tell the real story." White says many patients feel embarrassed to admit they're not flossing or brushing as much as they should, but she emphasised that honesty with your dentist is always best. "We make it a priority to create a judgment-free space where patients feel comfortable being honest about their habits. The goal is always to help them improve their oral health — not to make them feel bad about it."

Saying you wear a device more often than you do

As far as any orthodontic treatment, honesty is just as important as consistency. "I frequently encounter patients who don't share that they haven't been diligent in wearing their aligners or following directions," says Nayson Niaraki, DMD, MS, an orthodontist and cofounder of Smilebar. "It makes it much harder to help them achieve their goal when they are not giving us the whole story. We are in this together. Helping us understand what is happening when you leave the office ultimately will help you achieve the smile you've always wanted."

Showing up late

One of the simplest ways to practise good dental etiquette is actually the most obvious: respect everyone's schedule. "Dental etiquette is really a win-win: it protects your health, saves you money in the long run, and allows your dentist to deliver their very best work," says Catrise Austin, DDS, celebrity cosmetic dentist and host of the Let's Talk Smiles podcast. Make sure you arrive on time, and do not head to the bathroom right as the office is ready for you. "Dental schedules run on precision," says Austin. "Running late without notice or delaying once called in disrupts care for everyone. A quick call ahead makes all the difference."

Skipping the appointment altogether

Skipping a visit without notice is one habit dentists say impacts both patients and providers. "By far the number one thing is patients not showing up for their appointments without letting us know," says Jenna Chimon, DDS, lead cosmetic dentist at Long Island Veneers. "It might seem like no big deal to skip an appointment, but that time slot that was reserved for the no-show could have gone to someone else instead of leaving us with an empty chair." She notes that while they understand unexpected things come up, a simple call or text allows the office to adjust the schedule and offer the spot to another patient.

Walk-ins and last-minute drop-by visits

Another common misstep is showing up without an appointment and hoping to be squeezed in. "Dental care isn't like grabbing a latte — our schedules are carefully structured around time-intensive procedures," says Austin. "Every time a patient pops in unannounced, it can push back the whole day and compromise care." Her advice: always schedule ahead, and if you have a dental emergency, call first to see how they can fit you in safely. In true emergencies, most offices will make every effort to prioritise your care without disrupting the treatment of other patients.

Trying to talk

Another habit that frustrates professionals is when patients talk during an appointment. "Imagine working with tiny instruments in someone's mouth while they're chatting on speakerphone — it's stressful and unsafe," says Austin. "Appointments are short; it's best to silence your phone and use that time for your health." Chimon points out that a smaller, though still noticeable, issue is when patients attempt to talk to her while she's working in their mouth. "Instead, I always tell patients to give me a thumbs up if they need a break or feel uncomfortable." Using hand signals helps communicate without the need to talk, ensuring a smooth and efficient appointment.

Being negative

One dentist shared that there's one phrase they hear far too often at the start of an appointment: "I hate the dentist." "We understand dental fear, but leading with negativity sets the wrong tone," says Austin. "Instead, share what makes you anxious so we can help make your visit more comfortable." Also, it's one thing to have concerns about the cost of treatment, but turning that concern into a complaint can make the discussion less productive. "High-quality dental care reflects advanced training, materials and safety," says Austin. "Instead of complaining about fees, ask about financing options or preventive care to lower future costs."

Taking your shoes off

Believe it or not, some patients treat the dental chair like a living room recliner and kick off their shoes. "It happens more than you'd think," says Austin. "It's unsanitary and makes the environment less professional for everyone. Keep shoes on and remember: a dental chair is not a recliner — it's a medical environment."

The bottom line

A dental visit works best when both patient and provider are on the same page. Be honest about your habits, arrive on time, give notice if you can't make it, silence your phone, and communicate your concerns rather than complaining. Small changes in etiquette make appointments smoother, safer and more comfortable for everyone — and they help you get the most out of your dental care.