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It’s normal to hear people say they’re nervous to see their dentist. Although hesitancy around dental appointments is common, there are many ways to overcome anxiety so you can ensure your oral health is being looked after.

What can lead to dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety or ‘dentophobia’ often stems from a bad or negative dental experience, usually in childhood. Some people feel very uncomfortable in the close physical presence of others, especially when lying back in a dental chair. Fear of pain, or experiencing more pain is another reason for avoiding dental treatment. Others may feel embarrassed about the condition of their teeth. Dental anxiety can also be triggered by the thought of dental equipment; sounds, needles and even the smell of a dental clinic.

Tips to overcoming dental avoidance

• Sometimes the first step of making an appointment can the hardest. When making your appointment, speak with the receptionist about your anxiety, as they can help ensure your appointment goes smoothly. The first appointment with your dentist may just be a conversation to help build trust, or they could recommend sedation options or strategies to help you relax.
• Deep breathing, progressive muscular relaxation and mindfulness can all be very helpful. Listen to your favourite music or a calming app through earphones during your appointment.
• Take your partner or a trusted friend with you for support.
• If a loss of control heightens your anxiety, ask the dentist to explain what they are doing. Some people like to have a mirror to watch what’s being done. Plan a signal you can give to stop the procedure, or if you need a break.

 

 

Can sleep dentistry help?

If you are a nervous or anxious patient, sleep dentistry could be your answer. Sleep Dentistry, also known as IV Sedation dentistry is a great way for patients to have their dental procedures performed whilst under IV Sedation. Patients are placed into an unaware state by an Anaesthetist, who is assisted by a registered nurse. Sleep Dentistry creates a drowsy and dream-like state of deep, calming relaxation for the entire duration of your dental procedure. Find out more about sleep dentistry today.

Remember

A large part of your dentist’s role is to educate and support you to make your own informed decisions about what’s right for you and your oral health. Overcoming dental anxiety is a partnership, between you and your dentist. Book an appointment today.

References

Strategies to manage patients with dental anxiety and dental phobia: literature review (nih.gov)

 

Reasons why you may need your teeth removed

Unfortunately, sometimes tooth damage can be too extensive for a tooth to be saved.  Having a tooth removed is rarely the first treatment option, but there is only so much a filling or crown can do to restore and retain an existing tooth.  When there is extensive decay, trauma or oral disease, the only solution may be to have the tooth extracted. Sometimes a tooth extraction is done for preventative reasons like overcrowding or to prevent future decline in oral or physical health.

How to protect your teeth from needing extraction

The single most important factor in retaining your teeth is to care well for them. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but is not immune to being weakened by decay or damage.  Once a tooth is decayed and filled, it’s never as strong as it once was, which is why maintaining the integrity of a ‘whole’ tooth is so important.

What are you biting on?

Extensive fractures, cracks or dental trauma can also result in a tooth needing to be extracted. Sometimes it’s impossible to prevent accidents from happening, though a few things can help to lower the risk. Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports, even during practice sessions. Never use your teeth as ‘tools’ to open containers or packets, only use your teeth to smile and chew. If you become aware of clenching or grinding, it is important to visit your dentist to prevent cracks from forming, especially in teeth with existing fillings.

 

6 top tips to avoid tooth extraction

1. Prioritise your teeth and oral health. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and has a major influence on overall health. Look after your teeth and gums and they’ll look after you!
2. See your dentist regularly for check-ups, professional cleaning and fluoride treatments. Book regular six-monthly visits.
3. Brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoridated toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Floss your teeth and gums daily.
4. Brush your tongue daily – this will help to reduce the number and type of bacteria on your tongue.
5. Eat a healthy diet and limit sweet foods and drinks. Avoid snacking between meals.
6. Stop smoking cigarettes. Ask your GP and dentist for guidance.

Remember

Prevention is the key to reducing the likelihood of needing a tooth extraction. Book an appointment with your dentist to talk about ways to reduce your individual risk.

 

 References

15.Toothbrushesinbathroom.20151129055222.pdf (jamdsr.com)

ColPro Search Result (colgateprofessional.com.au)

Periodontal (Gum) Disease | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (nih.gov)

 

Teeth are fascinating and can give an insight into how we live our lives and our genetics.  Just as we rely on support around us, teeth also need strong and healthy foundations to function in the best possible way. But how much do you really know about your teeth?

 

1. Teeth can grow in all different ways. Tooth development is a complex process as they form, grow and erupt into our mouths. From around the age of six years, most of us start getting our adult teeth. Ideally, these permanent teeth last our entire adult years. During tooth development, our teeth can grow in the wrong direction, coming out sideways, at a wrong angle, or only partially erupt which is known as an impacted tooth.

 

2. Our teeth grow in three stages. First, they form under our gums, then they develop the crown – the white part we can see. Finally, the root develops, which anchors our teeth to our jaw.

 

3. We get two sets of teeth. During our lifetime, humans have 20 baby teeth and (usually) 32 permanent or adult teeth. Some people have extra teeth or teeth that never develop. Genetics plays a role in missing teeth and the shape and size of our teeth as well.

 

4. Our four different kinds of teeth have unique functions. Humans are omnivores, meaning we eat both meat and plants. Over time, we have evolved to have four different types of teeth which allow us to eat a varied diet. Incisors – the front teeth, Canines – the eye teeth, Premolars and Molars. Each of our teeth serves a different purpose. Front teeth slice or cut food into smaller pieces before being transferred to the back teeth to be ground down into even smaller particles. These small particles of food mix with the enzymes in our saliva to begin digestion.

 

 

5. Your teeth can tell stories about you. Teeth can reveal a lot about how we live our lives. Teeth can tell personal facts about you like your age, the quality of your diet and importantly your oral hygiene. Teeth can also reflect health conditions a person may be experiencing.

 

6. Enamel, the hard, outer white layer of our teeth is the only part of the human body which can’t repair itself. Rather than living tissues like the dentine inside our teeth, skin and bones, enamel is made from a mineral substance which cannot be regenerated. The only way to repair the damage is by filling or covering the tooth enamel and dentine.

 

7. Only 2/3 of our teeth can be seen, the other 1/3 is hidden by the gums, so gum health is as important as tooth health. Bacteria feed on food and plaque left on our teeth and tartar forms if plaque is not regularly removed.

 

To learn even more about your teeth, book an appointment today with your dentist.

 

People used to assume they would need to wear dentures as they aged, but now with a better understanding of the importance of preventative health and oral care, most of us have a great chance of retaining our own teeth as age.

Reducing the risk of extractions and restorative dental work requires a little effort and consideration. And although having dental checks is important, it’s the daily attention to our teeth and diet, in combination with regular dental expertise, which makes all the difference to our long-term dental health.

Kid’s teeth

Caring for your child’s teeth starts before they are even born, because once born, all 20 primary (baby) teeth have already begun forming in your baby’s gums. Your diet and oral hygiene will have a direct effect on the health of your baby’s teeth.  Healthy teeth habits start in childhood.  See your dentist at least once during your pregnancy and brush and floss daily to reduce the risk of decay and even premature birth. Clean your baby’s teeth as soon as they emerge through the gums and avoid offering your child sugary foods and drinks.

Kids aged 3-12 years

Your toddler will have all their primary teeth by the time they turn three.  Preventing decay in baby teeth is the first step towards retaining permanent teeth when they erupt between 6-12 years of age.  Always brush your child’s teeth until they’re around 8 years of age. Small children don’t have the coordination to do a good job of removing plaque from their teeth and need their parents help.  Use a low dose fluoride which will help to harden their tooth enamel and limit bacterial growth. As soon as two teeth are in contact with each other, floss in-between your child’s teeth as well as brushing with a small headed, soft toothbrush.

Adult teeth

By the early 20’s, all 32 adult or permanent teeth have usually erupted. There are no specific changes we need to make when caring for adult teeth, as long as good habits have already been established. Brushing at least twice each day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and eating a healthy diet all contribute significantly to good oral health. Our risk of decay does not lessen as we get older, though our teeth can be affected by hormonal as well as other physical conditions. Wear and tear are common with age.

Some adults experience uneven wear on their teeth due to grinding or clenching their jaw. Snoring or sleep apnoea can also influence the way the teeth align with each other. Wearing a mouthguard during sleep can make a big difference in protecting the integrity of the teeth and avoiding uneven wearing.

Top tooth tips over the ages

Brush and floss daily and always use a fluoridated toothpaste. And if you have children, role modelling healthy oral care habits can make a big difference in establishing healthy behaviours. Book an appointment today with your dentist.

References

Life Stages Health (colgateprofessional.com.au)

Oral health and dental care in Australia, Healthy teeth – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)

Oral Health For Infants And Toddlers (colgateprofessional.com.au)

Oral Health For Teens And 20s (colgateprofessional.com.au)

 

Although the thought of having a root canal treatment can cause many of us to break out in a cold sweat, having a root canal done is generally painless and offers a solution to a problem. Root canal therapy is complex and requires a great deal of skill and attention to detail.  This is why your dentist will take time to discuss and plan your treatment options.

Why would your dentist recommend a root canal treatment?

• decay forming underneath existing fillings
• excessive tooth wear from grinding, clenching or erosion from dietary acids
• cracks or fractures in teeth
• accidents or trauma that damages a tooth
• advanced gum disease (periodontitis)

 

How is a root canal treatment performed?

Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, involves the removal of bacteria and infection from the centre of the tooth know as the dental pulp. This is a group of tissues consisting of connective tissues, blood supply and nerves which extend into the tooth roots. When the dental pulp is damaged, bacteria can multiply inside the tooth.  Left untreated, this leads to pain, infection or an abscess forming.

Having a root canal treatment starts with a careful dental examination and X-ray of the affected tooth.  This is important for your dentist to see the shape of the root canals and check if there is any infection present in the bone around the tooth.

Step 1 – A local anaesthetic is given to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. A dental dam is often used, this helps the tooth to stay clean and dry from saliva.

Step 2- The dentist prepares the tooth so that the infection can be cleaned from the centre of the tooth and from the central canals within the roots of the teeth. There can be 1 or 2 root canals in the front teeth and 3-4 root canals in the back teeth.

Step 3 – Once the root canals have been cleaned and sterilised, they can be permanently sealed with a special material called ‘gutta percha’.

Step 4 – A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is often weaker than an intact tooth. A strong permanent cover known as a dental crown is often required to allow the tooth to be safely used during chewing and eating and provides long term protection from further breakdown.

 

How could you feel after a root canal?

People commonly describe a sense of relief after the procedure. Once the infection and dental pulp are removed, the tooth does not have any sensation of hot/cold or pain.   Mild pain relievers after the procedure can help to relieve any temporary discomfort. Your dentist will guide you on ways to relieve any pain.

References

Are Root Canals Painful? A Simple Question With A Complex Answer (colgate.com.au)

Root canal treatment | healthdirect

Step-By-Step Guide To Root Canal Therapy | Colgate® Oral Care