Dentophobia

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Fear of dentists is one of the most common causes for avoiding necessary dental care. Approximately eighty percent of the new patients that call our office express a fear of dentists or dentistry. Though phobias are by nature irrational, many dental fears are based in a past experiences such as a childhood trauma, a feeling of shame or being blamed for bad teeth or dental problems, fear of pain, fear of the unknown, fear of needles, some past dental horror story, fear of losing control. There are steps that can be taken to combat dental fears:

• Find a dentist you trust. This is the most important key in feeling comfortable at the dental office. Most dentists we know are genuinely kind people, but it is important that you feel a rapport with them as well. Someone your neighbor or husband loves may not be the right person for you.
• Explain your fear to the dentist. Most dentists and their teams genuinely want to help you and will provide you with all of the extra care you may need to feel comfortable. You can agree on a signal to use if you need a break during a procedure so that you are 100% in control at all times.
• Ask questions. One of the roots of fear is the unknown. So, if you have questions, be sure to ask them. Your dentist should be happy to answer any and all of your questions.
• Listen to music. We offer noise reducing headphones in our office and you are welcome to bring your own music device or borrow one of our CD players.
• Never be afraid to admit your fears. It will help us to take better care of you.

More Dental Facts

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Facts About Decay

The number of cavities in the average mouth is down and people are keeping their teeth longer. People, on average, have healthier mouths than even 10 years ago. Specifically:

• The decline in tooth decay was greatest among kids but holds across every age group.
• Only 40% of young people age 6 to 19 had ever in their lives had cavities. That’s down from 50% a decade ago.
• Over the last ten years the proportion of people age 60 who’d lost all their teeth had decreased from 33% to 25%.
• Use of dental sealants, which block tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of kids’ vulnerable molars, was up 64%. 30% of kids had had at least one sealed tooth.
• Adults with post-high-school degrees had an average of three more teeth than those without a high school diploma.
• Smokers remain three times more likely than non-smokers to lose all their teeth. This figure has not changed from a decade ago.
• Socio-economic status plays a definite role in one’s general and dental health….33% of low-income adults have untreated decay. This compared with 16% of middle- and higher-income adults. 19% of kids living in poverty have untreated decay compared with 8% of wealthier kids. CDC & ADA 1/06

If I Have Dentures, Why Do I Need to Go to The Dentist?

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We often hear the questions, “If I have dentures, why do I need to see my dentist?”

Your dentist is responsible for more than just your tooth care. Your dentist should ask you to visit at least annually, even if you have dentures. You will still need an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer treatment has only a 50% success rate over five years. Oral cancer is It is difficult for people to see inside their own mouths and most people do not know how to recognize early signs of oral cancer. Your dentist has the training and skills to identify and advise on potential problems.

In addition to the risk of oral cancer, your dentist will also be able to spot any potential problems with your dentures that may threaten the length of time they are functional for you. Doesn’t it make sense to protect your investment and your life? Call for a denture exam and an oral cancer screening today. 303-422-8748