Do you suffer from dental anxiety? It turns out, many people do. In fact, it’s estimated that about 50% of the population has some form of dental phobia or fear. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to overcome your fears and receive the care that you need. We have put together a list containing five simple but effective strategies for overcoming your anxiety around dentistry.

Strategy #1: Find the Cause of Your Dental Anxiety

Is your dental anxiety centered around a certain procedure, like an x-ray for example? Do you have concerns about what will happen to your teeth after treatment or how expensive your care is going to be?

Oftentimes, we find that people with dental anxieties are concerned more about their own thoughts and feelings than any actual physical pain. This is important to know because you can control your thoughts and not the other way around! Finding the cause of your anxiety will allow you to implement solutions to overcome it!

Strategy #2: Educate Yourself

Educate yourself about the dental procedure, problem, or situation that makes you anxious before it happens! This means doing some research beforehand so you are more prepared for what will happen next.

For example, you might want to know what the dentist will need to do before they start any work on your teeth, how long it’s going to take and how much it will cost. Our team is always willing to answer any questions you may have so that you can approach your dental care with confidence.

Strategy #3: Find a Dental Professional That Suits Your Needs

Unfortunately, not every dental professional is created equal. The demeanor of one dentist may put you at ease while another’s demeanor causes additional anxiety!

Once you find a dental professional that suits your needs, be sure to talk to them about any fears or worries you might have. We are here to help and give advice on how to feel better during and after a visit, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Strategy #4: Consider Sedation Dentistry

For some individuals, dental anxiety is so severe that it prevents them from receiving the care they require. In this situation, sedation dentistry is a gamechanger!

Consider a dental sedative to help you feel more relaxed before your appointment. Sedatives work by slowing down the brain and body response that makes us anxious. If you think sedation dentistry may benefit you, talk to your dentist about if it is the right fit!

Strategy #5: Practice Deep Breathing Techniques

There are many things you can do to control (and overcome) your dental anxiety. One of the most effective is to practice deep breathing techniques before, during, or after a dental appointment.

Deep breathing is a great way to manage stress and anxiety in the moment as well as throughout the day. However, as with many things, deep breathing is something that you must practice! Incorporate deep breathing techniques into your daily life in the weeks leading up to your dental procedure for the best results.

We understand that dental anxiety is a very real thing that affects many of our patients. Regardless of your age, this is not something of which to be ashamed. If you are anxious about an upcoming dental visit or procedure, be sure to talk to our team! We are passionate about doing everything in our power to make your experience comfortable and stress-free.

It’s important to know what causes dental plaque so you can avoid it! In this blog post, we will talk about what causes dental plaque, how to prevent it from building up on your teeth, and the importance of brushing twice per day. We’ll also discuss why flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health.

What is Dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on teeth and lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other dental issues. Plaque forms when you don’t brush your teeth regularly or fail to implement good oral hygiene habits.

When not removed by brushing properly, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar is a form of dental calculus or mineral deposit that can’t be removed by brushing alone.

What Causes Dental Plaque?

There are three main causes of dental plaque:

 

• A buildup of the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease on your teeth is caused by poor oral hygiene habits.

 

• Not brushing your teeth regularly – twice a day for two minutes each time!

 

• Indulging in sugary foods and drinks leads to increased acid in the mouth. Too much sugar will cause bacteria to produce more plaque on your teeth.

 

How to Avoid Dental Plaque

So, how can you avoid dental plaque? While the only way to completely remove plaque from your teeth is a professional dental cleaning, there are several ways to prevent dental plaque between appointments.

The best way to prevent dental plaque is by consistently brushing your teeth twice a day. Be sure to practice proper brushing techniques, brushing the surface of each tooth.

Flossing also plays a crucial role in helping you avoid dental problems caused by plaque. Flossing removes food particles, debris, and bacteria from between your teeth. If left untouched, this may lead to plaque buildup in the future.

Another way to prevent dental plaque is to eat more fruits and vegetables! Not only do many fruits and vegetables help scrub the plaque off your teeth, but they also satisfy cravings, allowing you to eat less sugar. The acidity of sweet treats will accelerate the growth of dental plaque.

When you do indulge in a sweet treat, be sure to rinse well after you are finished as anything high in sugars can cause the buildup of bacteria on teeth (hello cavities!).

The Role of Dental Cleanings in Eliminating Plaque

Although it is important to practice good oral hygiene to reduce plaque on the surface of your teeth, professional dental cleanings are the only way to fully eliminate plaque.

Because of this, it’s important to make bi-annual dental exams and cleanings a priority. Not only does your dentist remove hardened tartar before it turns into cavities but they also look for signs of decay, disease, or other health concerns.

By taking the time to establish great oral hygiene habits, you can reduce the possibility of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease – something that will continue to benefit your health for years to come.

Everyone knows that a good oral hygiene routine provides them with a bright, healthy smile. But did you know that the impacts of your oral hygiene – whether positive or negative – extend far beyond the appearance of your smile? There are numerous reasons that you should adopt a healthy oral hygiene routine. Keep reading to learn just a few of the most compelling reasons to prioritize your oral health! 

1. Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Overall Health

Did you know that a poor oral hygiene routine could lead to serious health complications later in life? Researchers and medical experts have spent countless years researching the correlations between poor oral health and heart disease, diabetes, sepsis, bacterial infections, pregnancy complications, and a variety of other issues. 

Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of inflammation in your mouth that can then impact other areas of your body, weakening your defense against serious health conditions. By developing a proper oral hygiene routine, you can improve both your oral health and your overall well-being!

2. A Healthy Smile Improves Confidence

What is the first thing you notice when meeting something new? For 40% of Americans, that feature is the smile! Poor oral hygiene can lead to staining, tooth loss, or gum disease – conditions that can decrease your confidence and even cause feelings of embarrassment. 

By prioritizing your oral health, you can improve your confidence with a smile that is both bright and healthy! 

3. Proper Oral Hygiene Minimizes Disease & Decay

We would be remiss to not mention the impact of proper oral hygiene on your oral health. When you fail to practice proper oral hygiene, your chances of developing gum disease or tooth decay skyrocket. While they may not seem like serious conditions, both gum disease and tooth decay can rapidly progress – requiring extensive dental work to remedy the ailment. 

Developing and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to combat oral disease, tooth decay, and a variety of other preventable ailments.

4. Decreases Costs Associated With Dental Care

Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene often leads to expensive dental procedures. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can decrease the cost of your dental care by eliminating pricey procedures! 

Additionally, regular dental cleanings and exams are typically included in your dental insurance plan. By failing to prioritize oral hygiene by scheduling these appointments, you are wasting money! Protect both your smile and your bank account by making oral hygiene a priority.

5. Your Friends Will Thank You

What is worse than spending time with someone who constantly has bad breath? Being that person in your friend group! No one wants to be known for their bad breath or toothy smile. Trust us – your friends will thank you for practicing and prioritizing your oral health and hygiene! 

So, how do you practice good oral hygiene? The answer is simple! Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once daily, and visit your dentist on a bi-annual basis for a thorough cleaning and exam. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Regardless of your age, we all wish for a bright white smile! Unfortunately, most (if not all) of us struggle with tooth discoloration and staining to some extent. Thankfully, tooth discoloration is relatively easy to prevent if you are aware of the many culprits! 

 

There are two main types of tooth staining: intrinsic and extrinsic. Most of us struggle with extrinsic stains that are caused by external influences such as dietary and lifestyle habits. There are many ways to treat extrinsic stains including both natural and professional solutions. 

 

The second type of tooth staining is intrinsic staining. Intrinsic stains form within the tooth and are often caused by medications, health conditions, or even excessive fluoride use. Intrinsic staining is a bit more challenging to address. However, there are great alternatives available thanks to modern dentistry.

 

In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the most common causes of tooth staining and how you can achieve the bright white smile of your dreams!

Common Causes of Teeth Staining

Tooth staining can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Dietary choices are perhaps the most common cause of tooth staining. Dark colored foods or beverages such as coffee, wine, soda, and even some fruits and vegetables can leave behind unfortunate stains!

 

Lifestyle habits such as tobacco use or poor dental hygiene are also contributing factors to a dull, discolored smile. Fortunately, if you are suffering from tooth staining caused by one of these external factors, there are many remedies available!

 

In some cases, however, tooth discoloration is caused by a factor that is outside of your control. For example, many medications can cause staining as well as excess fluoride that may be found in your water source. And for some patients, the cause of tooth staining is previous dental trauma or even genetics. In these situations, more extreme measures will be required to address the discoloration. 

At-Home Solutions for Teeth Staining

The majority of patients struggle with extrinsic tooth staining that is caused by factors that are within their control. For these individuals, there are several at-home solutions available! Simply recommitting to a thorough oral hygiene routine including twice-daily brushing and daily flossing can go a long way in eliminating staining. 

 

Bi-annual dental exams and cleanings will ensure that the plaque is eliminated, reducing the appearance of tooth staining. If you choose to enjoy a food or beverage that is known to stain teeth, simply rinse your mouth thoroughly with water once you have finished! This will minimize the potential for staining.

Professional Solutions to Teeth Staining

If your tooth staining is more advanced or is intrinsic in nature, you may need to resort to a professional solution. Fortunately, thanks to modern dentistry, there are many options available to you! Our dental team offers a variety of solutions including both professional tooth whitening, porcelain veneers to address pesky tooth discoloration. 

 

You deserve a smile that you are proud to show off! Be sure to ask your dentist about the best way to whiten your smile during your next visit.

More often than not, when you think of the dentist, you think of your teeth. Somehow our gums just seem to fall through the cracks. But, did you know that your gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth? 

Your gums are responsible for protecting your teeth from disease and decay. Without proper oral hygiene, your gums can quickly develop periodontitis, another name for gum disease. Some of the most common signs of early gum disease include bad breath, swollen gums, gums that bleed easily, or gums that appear to be receding from your teeth.

When caught in its early stages, gum disease is easily reversible. However, if left untreated, it can have more serious implications on your oral health. So, how do you prevent gum disease? Here are five easy ways to keep your gums healthy:

1. Floss Every Day

Flossing your teeth once every day is one of the most effective ways to improve the health of your gums. When you floss, you are removing the food and bacteria that become trapped between your teeth. When you fail to floss, this food and bacteria become plaque that will eventually lead to gum disease. 

2. Brush Your Teeth Using Proper Technique

We know we talk about brushing your teeth quite often, this is because it is an important step to achieving optimal oral health! When you brush your teeth, you must use the proper technique to protect and care for your gums. 

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to alleviate any unnecessary abrasion to your gums! If the bristles of your toothbrush begin to fray, or your toothbrush shows other signs of wear, replace it with a new toothbrush to avoid gum injury. 

3. Use the Right Oral Hygiene Products

There are countless oral hygiene products to choose from. From various flavors to the wide range of claims made by various products, it can be hard to make your final selection! The best oral hygiene products for gum health include toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. If you are unsure of the best products for you, ask your dentist during your next visit!

4. Protect Your Gums

In addition to instilling proper oral hygiene habits, there are other ways to protect your gums from injury, decay, or disease. Some lifestyle choices such as diets that are high in sugar or regular smoking can cause damage to your gum health. Additionally, participating in sports may pose an added threat to your gums. Take the proper precautions to prevent unnecessary damage or injury, ensuring healthy gums for years to come.

5. Visit the Dentist

There are countless reasons to visit your dentist twice a year. During your bi-annual cleaning and exam, we are not only caring for your teeth but also your gums! Unfortunately, the earliest signs of gum disease are easy to miss. However, when caught in the early stages, gum disease can be reversed through simple oral hygiene! For this reason, professional dental cleanings and exams are one of the best ways to protect and improve the health of your gums.

By implementing these five easy tips, you can make great strides in maintaining not only healthy teeth but also healthy gums!

When you think of oral hygiene, the first thought is likely your teeth. Unfortunately, the tongue is often forgotten in the quest for a healthy smile! Did you know that the health of your tongue can not only impact your oral health but your overall health as well? In this post, we will discuss a few of the ways your tongue can affect your oral hygiene. We will also share some tips for including your tongue in your daily oral hygiene routine! 

Is Your Tongue Healthy?

The tongue is a part of the body that often goes unnoticed – until something is wrong. A healthy tongue should be pink in color with tiny, uniform bumps covering the surface. These bumps are called papillae and provide a rough texture that helps us eat. Papillae also contain both taste buds and temperature receptors, helping us enjoy our food! 

If your tongue is sore, swollen, or you notice any changes in color, pattern, sensation, or appearance, it is important to schedule an appointment to eliminate any concerning health issues. So, how can your tongue affect your oral hygiene? 

Your Tongue Can Harbor Bacteria

We understand the importance of brushing our teeth to eliminate bacteria that can cause decay or disease. But brushing your teeth is only half of the job! As you are eating, bacteria settles between the papillae on your tongue’s surface. Although your teeth may be rid of harmful bacteria, the bacteria on your tongue can wreak havoc on the health of your smile! By brushing or scraping your tongue as you are brushing your teeth, you can eliminate this pesky bacteria, achieving a truly clean smile! 

Your Tongue Can Contribute to Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is one thing that none of us wish to experience! Not only can bad breath be off-putting to friends and family members, but it can affect the taste of your favorite snack. The bacteria that is harbored in the crevices of your tongue can not only lead to tooth decay, but it can also cause bad breath! 

Taking a few extra moments to clean your tongue will help you achieve truly fresh breath every time you brush! 

Including Your Tongue in Your Oral Hygiene Routine

How exactly do you ensure that your tongue is clean and free from nasty bacteria? There are several methods you can use to clean your tongue. Most of our patients choose to brush their tongue with their toothbrushes as they finish brushing their teeth.

However, there are also special scraping tools made specifically for cleaning your tongue. It may take some practice to develop this as part of your oral hygiene routine. But, the benefits for both your oral health and your overall wellbeing are undeniable. We recommend brushing your tongue at least once a day although incorporating it into your twice-daily brushing is a great way to establish the habit!  

If you have questions about how to improve your oral hygiene by cleaning your tongue, be sure to ask our team during your next visit!

As one of the most common oral health concerns, there is great confusion surrounding the topic of tooth cavities. What causes cavities? Are some people just more prone to this problem than others? The answers to these questions may surprise you! 

So, what is a cavity? A cavity is a form of tooth decay. The bacteria that is found in the mouth is highly acidic and interacts with plaque to eat away at your tooth’s enamel. Over time, this results in a hole in your tooth that will continue to grow deeper if you don’t receive professional care.

While cavities in their early stages are invisible to the untrained eye, they will begin to cause a toothache or pain once reaching the inside of the tooth. Fortunately, cavities are easily treatable through a process called a dental filling. Now that we know more about what a cavity really is, let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about tooth cavities.

Myth: Only Kids Get Cavities

A cavity is often the first type of oral health problem a child experiences. Because of this, many people are under the impression that only kids get cavities. However, this is simply a myth! 

Patients of every age are susceptible to tooth cavities. In fact, due to advancements in dentistry over the past 20 years, children are now at a lower risk for developing cavities than their older family members. 

Myth: Sugar is The Only Thing That Causes Cavities

This is where things get tricky. While this is mostly a myth, there is some truth behind it! The primary culprit in causing cavities is bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is responsible for the production of the destructive acid that begins to eat through the enamel of your teeth. 

Where does this bacteria come from? The primary food groups that cause cavities are carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are naturally occurring sugars and are exist in a variety of foods including bread, rice, potatoes, and more.

So while that sugary treat certainly doesn’t do your teeth any favors, it is not the only thing that increases your chances of developing a cavity.

Myth: There is No True Way to Prevent Cavities

Unfortunately, some people are more prone to cavities than others. Some individuals are more prone to developing cavity-causing bacteria than others. Others simply have gaps in their smiles that provide more opportunities for decay. However, even for individuals with these pre-existing conditions, there are always ways to prevent cavities!

Patients of every age can take steps towards preventing cavities by brushing their teeth thoroughly twice each day and flossing daily. However, the most effective way to prevent cavities is to visit your dentist for bi-annual dental cleanings and exams.

As we discussed previously, cavities are caused when the bacteria interacts with the plaque that accumulates on the surface of your teeth. While daily oral hygiene tasks keep this plaque at bay, the only true way to achieve a clean smile is through a professional dental cleaning! 

Just like certain types of foods can impact our oral health for better or worse, so can the types of drinks we choose to consume. Unfortunately, many of the most popular drinks can harm your oral health if you do not limit your intake. In this post, we will discuss how five of the most popular drinks can affect your oral health, as well as some practical tips for avoiding unnecessary damage to your teeth.

Soda

Soda, pop, coke – call it what you want, it all affects your teeth in the same way! While it remains one of the most popular beverages, especially in the United States, soda contains ridiculously high amounts of sugar! The bacteria that reside in your mouth feed off this sugar, eventually leading to the formation of cavities.

However, sugar isn’t the only harmful component of soda. Soda is also highly acidic, something that can exacerbate damage to your teeth. Next time you choose to enjoy a bubbly beverage, use a straw to bypass your teeth, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water once you finish!

Energy Drinks

Although they may seem like a better alternative to soda, energy and sports drinks contain just as much, if not more, sugar! Many energy drinks are also highly acidic, causing even more damage to the enamel of your tooth. Once the enamel becomes compromised, you are likely to experience an increase in tooth sensitivity and discomfort. 

While there is certainly a time and place to enjoy an occasional energy drink, they should be seen as a treat and not as a part of your daily routine. Remember to drink plenty of water following your energy or sports drink to rid your mouth of lingering sugars. Alternatively, opt for green tea for a boost of energy to get you through the day.

Lemonade

Lemonade is good for you, right? This tasty drink falls somewhere in the middle of the list when it comes to drinks that affect your teeth one way or the other. While lemonade does not have the carbonation that can increase damage to the tooth’s enamel, it is highly acidic and often contains high amounts of sugar! 

As we have seen with the drinks we have already discussed, acids and sugars and not your mouth’s best friends. While it is important to not drink lemonade in excess, it is a tasty treat that you should continue to enjoy! Choose a lemonade with lower sugar content and be sure to drink plenty of water following your tasty treat.  

Coffee

Most adults run on a morning (and oftentimes, afternoon) cup of coffee! While coffee is also acidic, the dark color of coffee is more likely to harm your smile. Don’t panic: you don’t have to give up coffee forever! Opt for coffee drinks with lower sugar content, be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider using a whitening toothpaste to counteract the staining you may experience.

Sparkling Water

We know that water is one of the best things we can drink to promote both oral and overall health. But is sparkling water any different? While it is still important to drink plenty of regular water, the carbonation added to sparkling water will not harm your oral health. Additionally, this can be a great alternative to soda or carbonated energy drinks!

We often discuss the foods that are not good for our teeth. But did you know that certain foods can benefit the health of both your teeth and your gums? By adding these foods into your diet, you can brighten your smile, strengthen your teeth, and work towards a healthier, happier smile. 

Here are 8 of the best foods to eat for your oral health:

1. Apples

Apples serve many purposes. While it is wise to minimize your intake of sweets, an apple can curb your sweet tooth while also contributing to your oral health! Eating an apple encourages increased saliva production, something that helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles sticking around after your meal. The texture of the apple also helps to stimulate your gums and leaves your teeth feeling fresh! 

2. Yogurt

Yogurt is likely not the first thing that comes to mind as you consider oral health. However, there are many ways that this tasty treat is beneficial to your smile! Yogurt is high in both protein and calcium, two things that help to strengthen your teeth. Additionally, the probiotics found in yogurt help to counteract the bad bacteria that is responsible for forming cavities. 

Not all yogurt is created equal. It is important to look for yogurt with minimal sugars or opt for plain yogurt and add fruit for a bit of sweetness.

3. Cheese

Cheese, like yogurt and other dairy products, is high in calcium and protein. Additionally, studies have suggested that cheese raises the pH of the mouth, lowering the risk of tooth decay! 

4. Leafy Greens

You are likely not surprised that leafy greens found a spot on this list. Greens such as spinach and kale contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that promote optimal health. While greens may not be your snack of choice, they make a perfect addition to a salad, smoothie, or even pizza.

5. Carrots

Carrots are quite similar to apples, encouraging the production of saliva that fends of cavities. This tasty treat also contains high amounts of fiber and vitamin A, both of which benefit your smile!

6. Celery

Celery is by far one of the least popular vegetables. However, it contains antioxidants such as vitamins A and C that benefit your gum health. Additionally, celery gently cleans bacteria and food particles from the surface of your teeth. Not a fan of the taste? Add a bit of cream cheese or peanut butter for a tasty treat!

7. Raisins

Perhaps one of the most surprising foods on this list is raisins! Raisins contain phytochemicals that could help fight cavity-causing bacteria and minimize the risk of gum disease. 

8. Strawberries

As if we needed another reason to love this sweet treat, strawberries contain a variety of nutrients including fiber, folate, manganese, and vitamin C. The malic acid found in many fruits, including strawberries, has even been said to naturally whiten your teeth. We consider that a win! 

Next time you head to the kitchen for a snack, consider one of these healthy (yet delicious) options. By eating right, you can achieve a smile that is both healthy and bright!

For a lot of people, even the thought of visiting the dentist causes fear and anxiety.

This can be due to past trauma, a fear of the unknown, lack of communication, or simply from embarrassment. You don’t have to suffer in pain. We have 4 helpful tips to help you overcome your fear of the dentist.

 

Be Prepared

Research the dental office you’ll be visiting and learn more about the office and people. For extra peace of mind, find out if they are specialized in your procedure.

Read online reviews. See what others have to say about their experiences. Many people leave reviews on their entire appointment, from start to finish. Seek those reviews out to get a good understanding of how you can expect your visit to go.

For children, explain their dental procedure in terms that they can understand and will help ease their anxiety. Let them know that the dentist isn’t a scary place!

 

Ask Questions

Research the dental procedure you’re going to have. Make a list of any questions you want to have answered before you schedule your appointment.

Once you’re there, ask the dental assistant and dentist to keep you informed of what they are doing, as they do it.

Don’t be afraid to make pre or post-procedure calls regarding aftercare, concerns, or any questions you have.

 

Distract and Relax

Have someone you trust to go along with you. This can be a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend. They can encourage and talk to you while you wait to help keep your anxiety down.

For children, bring along their favorite stuffed animal or blanket. These familiar objects can help calm their nerves.

Focus on your breathing. If you truly concentrate only on steady breathing, you might be surprised how hard it is to think about anything else!

Listen to music or a podcast with your earphones. For children, listening to their favorite songs or storybooks is a great way to help keep their minds busy.

Ask about sedation. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax for a better dental care experience. You will still be able to ask questions, but you will be calmer throughout treatment.

 

Talk It Out

Sometimes the fear can be overwhelming. You can seek counseling to get the root cause of your dental fear. Professional assistance may help you succeed in overcoming it. Your dental health is worth it!

If you have any questions or want to learn how we can help you put your best smile forward, please don’t hesitate to contact us!