Fear of the dentist takes on many different forms and masks. The first thing to note if you share this common fear is that a recent study determined that almost 50% of Americans have a fear of the dentist. One of the  first forms of dental fear stems from a thought that your teeth are the worst the dentist has ever seen. This guilt forces the patient to procrastinate or avoid dental visits so they don’t have to endure the lecture. The thought that the dentist will berate you or be disappointed. This creates a catch 22, the answer is not to avoid the dentist instead overcome the fear with some easy techniques.  The next form of fear is the loss of control. You feel strapped down and vulnerable in the dental chair. A simple way to help overcome this fear is to ask the dentist for breaks and to make sure that he or she explains everything that they are going to do. Many people can’t handle the sounds of being in the dentist chair. For this we recommend bringing your i-Pod. Don’t blast the 80’s hair band music, make sure it is something that relaxes you and then just turn it up louder if needed. Going to the dentist is a necessary evil we must all endure. If your fear of the dentist persists ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. You and your dentist should select a form of sedation dentistry that is right for you.

I recently took a trip to the store in Austin to stock up on some oral hygiene supplies. I was surprised by the shear number of tooth pastes, mouthwash, floss and tooth brushes. Mouthwash I figured is one of the simplest ways to improve your oral hygiene and as a result reduce visits to the dentist. With so many choices and so many hygiene issues which each claim to resolve which one is right for me? My thinking was that anti plaque mouthwash would be the best way to fight the bacteria that causes tooth decay. One of the main ingredients in anti plaque rinse is fluoride. Anti-cavity rinse with fluoride has been proven to reduce the bacteria that causes cavities by 50%. However most over the counter anti plaque mouth rinse only aids with gum disease and tooth decay slightly more than rinsing with water. Most antiseptic mouthwashes do reduce bad breath and freshen breath for hours after use. Prescription-only is the most effective rinse that your dentist can prescribe. These rinses have been proven to reduce the bacteria that causes plaque and tooth decay. Side effects can occur from a prescription mouth rinse. A rinse with alcohol can give a burning sensation in your cheeks and gums. Too much fluoride can cause mouth ulcers, sensitivity to teeth and roots, stained teeth or a change to your taste sensation. Mouth rinse with fluoride is not recommended for children under the age of 6.

Your teeth are often times the first impression people have of you when they meet you. Many think that we look people in the eyes when we meet them but the truth is 75% of people look at your mouth rather than your eyes. There is a huge difference in appearance between someone with good teeth and a nice smile and bad teeth. Because of a fear of the dentist many people out there have let their teeth and smiles loose their sparkle. One of the most common fears people have along with a fear of public speaking is a fear of the dentist. With sedation dentistry there is no reason for anyone to let their teeth and smile dwindle out of fear. Sedation dentistry gives the patient multiple methods to ensure they are comfortable during their dental visit. You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you have not had dental treatment in 2 years or more, have sensitive teeth or have adverse reactions to standard numbing or trouble getting numb or have a traumatic dental experience in your past. Ask your dentist if oral sedation, IV sedation or nitrous oxide is the best treatment for you. You can tackle that fear of the dentist and make the type of winning first impression you want. Have the smile  you have always dreamed of with the benefits of sedation dentistry.

Hippocrates, who is best known for his contributions to medicine, also studied teeth in great detail.

St. Appollonia is dentistry’s patron saint.

Flossing is the only way to reach and clean all five sides of your teeth. Brushing alone only cleans three sides.

Coming in for regular dental exams, visits, and cleanings can reduce the cost of dental care.

Your natural teeth can and should last your entire lifetime, thanks to preventative and restorative dentistry.

Want to slow down the aging process? Keep your own teeth