If there is one thing I am certain of from all my studies and twenty years of clinical private practice experience, it is the fact that avoiding the dentist and proper treatment will ALWAYS work against you! I have also learned through thousands of patient interviews that the two main reasons for avoiding the dentist are fear and finances. Now these may seem like fairly legitimate reasons, but in actuality they are not!
The reason that some folks are fearful or "phobic" is usually because of an unpleasant experience that can be traced back to childhood or a long time ago. These experiences create a phobia that is completely irrational and baseless as seen in today's professional philosophies and technologically advanced practices. there have been many significant advances in the art and science of dentistry which make the vast majority of treatment modalities comfortable, safe and effective. I often hear "....if I knew it was that easy, I would have done it earlier."
On the other hand those who are concerned with finances should realize that the alternative is much more costly and unpleasant. Whether you have insurance or not, there are still financing options available that will allow you to get healthy. Often times those who come in regularly for check ups and cleanings have far fewer problems. Pathologies are a lot easier and less expensive to treat in their initial phases. By ignoring small problems you will most certainly inherit bigger ones! So in the long run procrastination will cost more and require more invasive and complex treatment.
In general, the dental profession is more in tune with the individual needs of the patient and treatments are less uncomfortable and more affordable. You need to be honest with yourself and ask, are you putting off going to the dentist or are you finally going to start to become invested in your health?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Chemotherapy and Oral Care
You may be surprised that your dentist plays an important role in your cancer treatment. If you consult with your dentist before chemotherapy begins, you can help prevent serious mouth problems.
Chemotherapy is the use of specific drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva.
These drugs will basically diminish the immune response and therefor the patient becomes more susceptible to inflammation and/or infections. It is important to recognize and treat any oral pathology that may lead to an infection before the chemotherapy starts.
Also a loss in saliva will make the patient more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is a natural guard against plaque build up and bacteria. In it's absence oral bacteria tend to flourish which is why immaculate oral hygiene is essential during chemotherapy. A dentist can recommend ways to keep the oral environment moist.
If the oral side effects are severe, the patient may not be able to keep up with their cancer treatment which is why it is important to consult with a dentist before any chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is the use of specific drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva.
These drugs will basically diminish the immune response and therefor the patient becomes more susceptible to inflammation and/or infections. It is important to recognize and treat any oral pathology that may lead to an infection before the chemotherapy starts.
Also a loss in saliva will make the patient more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is a natural guard against plaque build up and bacteria. In it's absence oral bacteria tend to flourish which is why immaculate oral hygiene is essential during chemotherapy. A dentist can recommend ways to keep the oral environment moist.
If the oral side effects are severe, the patient may not be able to keep up with their cancer treatment which is why it is important to consult with a dentist before any chemotherapy.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, December 5, 2011
Dental Anxiety and Phobia
Some people don't look forward to dental appointments but no more than they look forward to visits to other health care providers such as their physician. Most dental procedures when done right are reasonably comfortable. However, just being examined can make some people feel stressed. Most can live with having some anxiety about going to the dentist but for those with dental phobia, the thought of a dental visit is terrifying. They may be so frightened, in fact, that they'll do just about anything to avoid a dental appointment.
People often use the words "anxiety" and "phobia" to mean the same thing, but they are different. A phobia is an intense, unreasonable fear of a specific activity, object or situation. Phobic patients will have exaggerated or unfounded worries or fears. Dental phobia is definitely a more serious condition than dental anxiety. People with dental phobia often put off routine care for years or even decades. To avoid it, they'll put up with gum infections, pain, or even broken and unsightly teeth.
People develop dental anxieties and phobias for many different reasons. When researchers interview patients, however, a few common themes emerge:
Pain and/or discomfort — In a survey of people who had not seen a dentist for 12 months, 6% reported fear of pain as the main reason. This may be because their early dental visits happened before many of the advances in "pain-free" dentistry.
Helplessness and loss of control — Many people develop phobias about situations — such as flying in an airplane — in which they feel they have no control. When they're in the dental chair, they have to stay still. They may feel they can't see what's going on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety.
Embarrassment — The mouth is an intimate part of the body. People may feel ashamed or embarrassed to have a stranger looking inside. This may be a particular problem if they're self-conscious about how their teeth look. Dental treatments also require physical closeness. During a treatment, the hygienist or dentist's face may be just a few inches away. This can make people anxious and uncomfortable.
Negative past experiences — Anyone who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental procedures is likely to be more anxious the next time around.
There are several relaxation techniques and tools that you can utilize to help you maintain your comfort during dental visits. Many patients prefer a distraction during their visit such as listening to an ipod filled with their favorite music. Relaxation breathing or progressive muscle relaxation are techniques you may wish to try prior to beginning.
Your dentist should always explain the procedure to you in detail and make sure that you fully understand the procedures being preformed. An educated patient will always make a better patient.
A signaling system is always useful if you feel you need a break. For most patients, being able to raise their hand and asking the dentist to stop is comforting and allows them to feel more in control of the situation.
Ultimately the most important part of overcoming dental fear is trust. Finding the right dentist who you are comfortable with and feel that you can trust will make the most difference in helping you relax during your visit.
People often use the words "anxiety" and "phobia" to mean the same thing, but they are different. A phobia is an intense, unreasonable fear of a specific activity, object or situation. Phobic patients will have exaggerated or unfounded worries or fears. Dental phobia is definitely a more serious condition than dental anxiety. People with dental phobia often put off routine care for years or even decades. To avoid it, they'll put up with gum infections, pain, or even broken and unsightly teeth.
Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That's about 30 million to 40 million people. In a survey 36% of those who didn't see a dentist regularly said that fear was the main reason.
Pain and/or discomfort — In a survey of people who had not seen a dentist for 12 months, 6% reported fear of pain as the main reason. This may be because their early dental visits happened before many of the advances in "pain-free" dentistry.
Helplessness and loss of control — Many people develop phobias about situations — such as flying in an airplane — in which they feel they have no control. When they're in the dental chair, they have to stay still. They may feel they can't see what's going on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety.
Embarrassment — The mouth is an intimate part of the body. People may feel ashamed or embarrassed to have a stranger looking inside. This may be a particular problem if they're self-conscious about how their teeth look. Dental treatments also require physical closeness. During a treatment, the hygienist or dentist's face may be just a few inches away. This can make people anxious and uncomfortable.
Negative past experiences — Anyone who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental procedures is likely to be more anxious the next time around.
There are several relaxation techniques and tools that you can utilize to help you maintain your comfort during dental visits. Many patients prefer a distraction during their visit such as listening to an ipod filled with their favorite music. Relaxation breathing or progressive muscle relaxation are techniques you may wish to try prior to beginning.
Your dentist should always explain the procedure to you in detail and make sure that you fully understand the procedures being preformed. An educated patient will always make a better patient.
A signaling system is always useful if you feel you need a break. For most patients, being able to raise their hand and asking the dentist to stop is comforting and allows them to feel more in control of the situation.
Ultimately the most important part of overcoming dental fear is trust. Finding the right dentist who you are comfortable with and feel that you can trust will make the most difference in helping you relax during your visit.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween & Healthy Teeth
Undoubtedly, candy will come home in classroom party goody bags and fall festival take-home treats. Add plain old trick-or-treating, and it’s no wonder a child’s excessive exposure to sugar can be a common result. It’s definitely a problem every parent faces and finding that balance between children being healthy and at the same time having fun and enjoying Halloween is a tough balancing act.
The process by which sugary snacks can cause cavities is as follows. Bacteria that live in a child's mouth feed on sugars and produce acids. These acids will demineralize or break down the tooth structure, resulting in decay. Generally speaking the longer the exposure to sugary materials, the more extensive the decay. The frequency of sugar consumption is much more critical than the amount.
Prevention starts with that well-known word that is easy to say but more difficult to implement: moderation. However moderation can be difficult to enforce when a full Halloween bag lurks on top of the refrigerator. But protecting your children’s teeth from the onslaught of sugar is another important consideration for parents.
In the days following Halloween, it is recommended to ensure that your child eats a full plate of balanced and healthy foods before adding a sugary treat. Don’t buy Halloween candy too far in advance to avoid the temptation for children (and adults) to get a head start on the splurge. Try to ensure children eat a good, hearty meal before trick-or-treating so there will be less temptation to gorge on candy. Encourage kids to eat a set amount of candy in one sitting immediately followed by a thorough tooth-brushing, or at least a glass of water. Promote good oral health care habits year-round to your children by encouraging twice daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing and getting regular dental checkups.
The process by which sugary snacks can cause cavities is as follows. Bacteria that live in a child's mouth feed on sugars and produce acids. These acids will demineralize or break down the tooth structure, resulting in decay. Generally speaking the longer the exposure to sugary materials, the more extensive the decay. The frequency of sugar consumption is much more critical than the amount.
Prevention starts with that well-known word that is easy to say but more difficult to implement: moderation. However moderation can be difficult to enforce when a full Halloween bag lurks on top of the refrigerator. But protecting your children’s teeth from the onslaught of sugar is another important consideration for parents.
In the days following Halloween, it is recommended to ensure that your child eats a full plate of balanced and healthy foods before adding a sugary treat. Don’t buy Halloween candy too far in advance to avoid the temptation for children (and adults) to get a head start on the splurge. Try to ensure children eat a good, hearty meal before trick-or-treating so there will be less temptation to gorge on candy. Encourage kids to eat a set amount of candy in one sitting immediately followed by a thorough tooth-brushing, or at least a glass of water. Promote good oral health care habits year-round to your children by encouraging twice daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing and getting regular dental checkups.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Gagging
Gagging is a protective, natural reflex that stops entry of unwanted objects into the mouth and throat area. This reflex varies in intensity from one person to the next. Pronounced gag reflexes can compromise various aspects of dentistry, from diagnostic procedures of clinical examination and radiography to any form of treatment. In severe cases it could even lead to a patient avoiding care. There are many techniques in overcoming this condition and different strategies may be necessary in delivering dental treatment.
There are two basic classifications. One is called somatogenic which is induced by actual physical stimuli. The second is psychogenic in which psychological factors are thought to induce gagging without any physical stimulants.
Strategies for patient management fall under four categories.
First is psychological management via relaxation. This is accomplished through providing a comfortable and relaxing environment and/or breathing exercises like controlled rhythmic breathing and relaxed abdominal breathing.
Distraction techniques are also effective and thought to work by diverting attention away from the gagging problem long enough to carry out a procedure. Patients are asked to concentrate on a task or thought that will completely absorb their mind and prevent them from focusing on their gagging which increase their anxiety level.
Another technique is systematic desensitization and consists of incremental exposure to the feared stimulus which over a period of time will allow patients to become more used to certain stimuli.
Lastly there is the pharmacological option. A number of agents have been identified as effective against the gag reflex. Some topical anesthetics in forms of sprays or gels applied to the soft palate can be useful. Also some centrally acting drugs such as antihistamines and sedatives are helpful.
The attitude of the dentist toward the patient and his/her problem is ultimately very important. constant reassurance that the patient is alright will reduce embarrassment and anxiety.
There are two basic classifications. One is called somatogenic which is induced by actual physical stimuli. The second is psychogenic in which psychological factors are thought to induce gagging without any physical stimulants.
Strategies for patient management fall under four categories.
First is psychological management via relaxation. This is accomplished through providing a comfortable and relaxing environment and/or breathing exercises like controlled rhythmic breathing and relaxed abdominal breathing.
Distraction techniques are also effective and thought to work by diverting attention away from the gagging problem long enough to carry out a procedure. Patients are asked to concentrate on a task or thought that will completely absorb their mind and prevent them from focusing on their gagging which increase their anxiety level.
Another technique is systematic desensitization and consists of incremental exposure to the feared stimulus which over a period of time will allow patients to become more used to certain stimuli.
Lastly there is the pharmacological option. A number of agents have been identified as effective against the gag reflex. Some topical anesthetics in forms of sprays or gels applied to the soft palate can be useful. Also some centrally acting drugs such as antihistamines and sedatives are helpful.
The attitude of the dentist toward the patient and his/her problem is ultimately very important. constant reassurance that the patient is alright will reduce embarrassment and anxiety.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Oral health & overall health
In the past decade or so many researchers have come to realize that good oral health has very significant effects on the overall health of our bodies. It is extremely important to understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.
Your mouth is normally teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. The body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, medical procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth or breach the mouth's normal protective barriers may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Your mouth is normally teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. The body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, medical procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth or breach the mouth's normal protective barriers may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
- Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
- Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.
- Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.
- HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
- Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
- Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.
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