Dental Anxiety
If you feel increased stress, nervousness or anxiety when you think about visiting the dentist, then you’re probably dealing with dental anxiety. Avoiding a visit to the dentist due to these intense feelings can result in increased dental pain, a higher risk of gum disease, and tooth loss. Who Suffers With Dental Anxiety? The short answer: a lot of people. The American Association of Endodontists conducted a survey that showed that as many as 80% of adult Americans fear going to the dentist, and more than half indicated that this fear keeps them from going to the dentist for regular care. Women and children generally report a greater chance of fear and avoidance than men and the elderly. Invasive treatments, such as root canals or oral surgery, top the list of fears as opposed to less invasive procedures like dental cleanings and x-rays. Causes of Dental Anxiety There are many reasons that people fear going to the dentist, even when they’re in discomfort or pain. Some of these factors include: Embarrassment regarding the condition of their teeth Past traumatic experiences History of childhood abuse Fear of pain Feeling a loss of control Past extensive or costly treatment No matter the reason, Dr. Nelson strives to provide the best dental care in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. From your very first visit, Dr. Nelson listens to your concerns and addresses any questions you might have, providing what you need to enjoy your dental visit. Not Just Dental Problems Those who struggle with dental anxiety experience more than increased risk for unnecessary dental pain or problems. Avoiding the dentist for regular exams and cleanings can lead to more severe dental problems that cost more money to correct in the long-run. These situations can also include emergency care, which can also cost more than consistent dental care. Emotional and health issues can accompany dental anxiety. The higher levels of stress experienced can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, depression, insecurity and low self-esteem. In addition, gum disease and tooth loss, which are experienced by those who struggle with dental anxiety, can lead to larger physical problems like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. How to Deal with Dental Anxiety There are many ways to deal with Dental Anxiety, and Dr. Nelson and the compassionate staff at Salmon Creek Family Dental are more than willing to help. First, share your feelings and fears with us. There are many ways that we can adapt necessary treatment to meet your needs. Second, make and keep regular dental appointments. These will help you take the best care of your teeth without having to experience a great degree of discomfort and pain. Potential problem areas can be caught and treated early. Third, before these appointments, eat calming, high-protein foods, avoiding caffeine and sugar. Relax using deep-breathing techniques and take advantage of the amenities we offer to provide a distraction through your appointment. Last, consider one of our many sedation techniques to help you through your treatment. These include: Oral Sedation – administered in pill form, this type of sedation allows you to remain conscious but feel relaxed and even sleepy during your treatment. Nitrous Oxide Sedation – nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is inhaled through the nose, allowing you to relax but still respond consciously during treatment. Intravenous (IV) Sedation – this method is administered through an injection and is immediately effective. Patients using IV sedation feel as if they slept through the procedure Deep Sedation – Administered intravenously or through general anesthesia, this method of dental sedation is appropriate ideal for extremely phobic patients, those with significant medical conditions, and long and complex surgical dental procedures. Regardless of your level of anxiety, Dr. Nelson and his staff at Salmon Creek Family Dental will do whatever they can to make you as comfortable as possible during your dental treatment.
Fight Bad Breath Every Day
Bad Breath, also known as halitosis, can result in awkward and embarrassing situations. However, it’s easy to fight bad breath with a few simple changes in your everyday life. Good Basic Oral Hygiene One of the best ways to fight bad breath is through good basic oral habits. The food particles remaining in our mouths after eating basically rot in our mouths when not brushed or flossed away. Bacteria also uses these particles to form plaque, the sticky, yellow coating that gathers on the surfaces and in between teeth. This process leads to bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with regular dental visits, can keep your mouth clean and smelling fresh. Mouthwash Brushing and flossing after every meal is ideal, but not necessarily realistic. Although it shouldn’t be used solely to replace brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash after a meal can help clean out food particles and cut down on harmful bacteria. If there’s no mouthwash available, rinse out your mouth thoroughly with water. Smart Eating Habits Eating well helps keep our smiles healthy and strong. A diet rich in Vitamin C helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Foods like berries, melons and citrus fruits instead of supplements are best. Also, crunchy foods like apples, carrots and celery clean teeth naturally. Avoid sugary foods that stick to your teeth, as well as onions and garlic – these continue to cause bad breath while they’re digesting. Fresh Herbs Herbs are easy to grow and maintain, and a wide variety help fight bad breath. Choose from spearmint, eucalyptus, cardamom, rosemary, tarragon, and coriander, and chew on them after meals or throughout the day. If you prefer, soak the herbs in hot water as a tea! Stay Fresh Although brushing and flossing are ideal, there are simple steps to help keep breath fresh during the day. Drink plenty of water, rinsing your mouth out after meals. Although they tend to mask bad breath instead of helping to eradicate it, gum and mints are helpful in a pinch, as long as they’re sugarless. Fighting bad breath can be done easily using these simple strategies from your family dentist in Salmon Creek WA.
Flossing Basics
Flossing is as important for good dental health as brushing our teeth, but what if you’ve never made flossing a regular part of your dental hygiene routine? Can it be too late to begin flossing our teeth on a regular basis? Vancouver WA dentist Dr. Nelson and the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Salmon Creek Family Dental believe that It’s never too late to start flossing your teeth. And, like brushing, flossing your teeth is just as important for good dental health. These tips will help you make flossing your teeth a part of your regular routine. Floss To Use There are many different kinds of floss, and the specific one that you choose depends on your teeth. If your teeth have rough edges, you’ll want floss that resists shredding. If your teeth are tightly set together, you’ll want one that easily fits in between them. Other considerations for floss include flavored versus not flavored, waxed versus unwaxed, and the material that the floss is made from. You may have to try a few different kinds of floss before you find one that you prefer – feel free to ask your hygienist which one he or she recommends.. Flossing Basics Flossing is easier than you might think. First, grab a length of floss and wrap the ends around each of your index fingers a few times. This will allow a short, stable section of floss to use in between your teeth. Starting with your front teeth, gently work that segment of floss in the spaces between, gently working it through any narrow or tight spots. Wrap the floss around the edge of each tooth, carefully scraping the edge as well as the base of each tooth and the space between it and your gumline. Start slowly at first, taking plenty of time to floss your teeth. Careful Flossing The point of flossing isn’t to harm but to help. The pressure you use while flossing needs to be firm but not extreme. When moving the floss up and down between teeth, don’t press so hard that you cause injury to your gum. Use as much floss as you need in order to clean your teeth. It may take a few tries using floss to remove food particles. Make sure to use clean sections of floss as you floss one tooth to avoid spreading bacteria. General Tips for Flossing Your Teeth Choose a time to floss that works for you. Maybe your morning routine as you get ready for work will help you remember to floss, or perhaps evening works better. Floss on-the-go. Purchase floss picks from the local grocery or drug store and stash them in your purse or your care for easy access. They’ll be there when you get food stuck in between your teeth and they’ll also help remind you to floss! Talk with your Dr. Nelson or your hygienist at Salmon Creek Family Dental. If it’s difficult to floss or you don’t feel confident, ask your dental hygienist to give you a lesson – they’ll be thrilled that you asked!