Fear of the dentist is the third most common phobia among adults. In many cases, adults are unable to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings because of feelings of fear or anxiety. Today, there are a variety of treatment options, including sedation dentistry, that allow you to feel comfortable receiving the dental care you need for a dazzling smile.
Dental anxiety is common among both children and adults. Worry or nervousness over a visit to the dentist may be triggered by many factors. In some cases, a previous poor experience that caused pain or discomfort can cause anxiety about future dental work. A previous dentist who admonished you for poor home care may incite worry that your current dentist will do the same. Those who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable with invasions of personal space feel anxious about dental work during which a dentist or hygienist must be in close attendance. Some may not like receiving injections or worry that the anesthetic medication used during a dental procedure will not be effective. Additionally, the effects of anesthetic medication, such as dizziness, numbness, and nausea make many people feel uncomfortable about receiving medication during treatment.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. As the infection progresses, it destroys the connective tissues holding your teeth in your jaw. Untreated periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in American adults. Understanding your risk factors and visiting your dentist regularly can help to minimize your chances of periodontal disease-related tooth loss.
Dental emergencies often happen after regular business hours. Preventing injuries to the teeth and mouth will ensure your smile remains happy and healthy for a lifetime.
Inside each tooth is nerve tissue, called pulp. Damage to the tooth or advanced decay can result in infection or injury to the pulp and cause pain. Endodontic therapy, or a root canal, is specialized dental treatment to address the inner tissues of a tooth as an alternative to extracting and replacing it.
With proper care, your dental implants will last a lifetime. Cleaning your dental implants requires the same care as cleaning your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle, circular strokes to avoid abrading the gums. Floss once a day, making sure to clean the area between your crown and the adjacent teeth, as well as the top of the crown along the gum line. Neglecting to floss and brush every day can lead to gum disease, which may threaten the longevity of your implant. You should also continue to see your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. He will examine your implant during each appointment to ensure it is in good condition.
Malocclusions are misalignments of the teeth and jaws. These misalignments can affect the way you look as well as your dental health. Whether you have a few or many misaligned teeth, your dentist will be happy to outline your treatment options for a straighter and healthier smile.
Regular oral hygiene helps to prevent many dental problems. However, even if you brush and floss every day, it’s still important to schedule regular checkups twice a year with your dentist.
Did you know that dental implants are today’s gold standard in tooth replacement treatment? Dental implants offer many health and aesthetic benefits over other types of tooth replacements. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and whether they could benefit your smile, talk to your Sanford dentist.
Although tooth enamel is strong, it is also porous. Over time, the foods and drinks you consume can stain the enamel and discolor your teeth. Avoiding the worst offenders can help you maintain a brighter smile. Dentists recommend this rule of thumb: if a food or drink would stain a white tablecloth, it will also stain your white teeth. Brightly-colored berries, beets, soy sauce, tomato sauce, curry, and artificially-colored candies all lead to tooth stains and discoloration. Additionally, tea, coffee, and sports drinks, and wine can both stain tooth enamel and make it weaker and more susceptible to other staining agents. Other beverages such as pomegranate, grape, and cranberry juice can also darken the look of your smile.
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