Taking the Fear Out of a Dental Visit – 5 Tips for An Easy Appointment

Did you know that an estimated 40% of Canadians have a fear of visiting the dentist?

Despite many impressive technological advances that make most types of dental work a breeze compared to what they once were, dental anxiety is still a very common occurrence. This is primarily because fear is a psychological phenomenon, but one that still feels very real, nonetheless.

In addition, there are numerous variations of fear that people can experience when it comes to a visit to the dentist. Some people may have a fear of needles, some may dislike drills and other dental tools, and some might be self-conscious about their oral health and hygiene.

Our Top 5 Tips to Make Your Dental Visit Easier

The good news is that it is totally possible to overcome your dental anxiety and walk into your dentist office with confidence.

Here’s how:

1. Be Honest and Straightforward About Your Fears

If you are afraid of needles, drills, or anything else, be sure to let your dental professional know so that they can numb the area and make the experience less stressful for you.

Also, if you would like an anti-anxiety pill, be sure to ask if this is possible in advance of your appointment.

2. Bring Along a Friend

If you’re nervous about visiting your dentist, ask a friend or relative to join you. You will be surprised at how much just having somebody to talk to and support you will lessen the stress of the experience.

3. Talk to Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist Before Your Appointment

When you let your dental professional know about any fears or anxieties before your appointment, they can inform you about what to expect during the experience.

Many patients later report that their fear was much worse than the actual visit. By managing expectations in a realistic way, you will prevent your mind from running away with you and creating any unnecessary stress.

4. Arrive Early the Day of Your Appointment

When you are distressed, feeling rushed will only serve to compound that feeling.

Arriving early for your appointment and giving yourself some time to sit down with a magazine, book, or even your headphones as you wait will help stop the flow of adrenaline, automatically sooth your system, and help you feel relaxed and prepared.

5. Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene

By educating yourself on good oral hygiene and making it a priority to follow through, you are much more likely to have a pleasant and positive dental experience, and you’ll realize that your fears are unfounded.

We Are Committed to Your Oral and Emotional Health

At Pickering Square Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a truly nerve-wracking experience. That is where we go out of our way to provide exceptional service, quality, and professionalism so that you will have renewed faith in dental professionals.

We believe that education is the key to a better dental experience for everyone. To learn more, contact us online or give us a call at 905.420.1777 today!

The Importance of Preventative Gum Maintenance

Anyone who has had to endure periodontal surgery will tell you that taking care of your gums is a crucial part of your dental care.   Whether you want to end the bleeding you experience while brushing, or never ever want to experience it, there are steps that can be taken to keep your gums healthy.   Here are some of the keys to preventative gum maintenance:

Medical

There are numerous systematic health conditions related to gum disease such as heart disease, diabetes as well as a multitude of other medical conditions and risks.  This only re-emphasizes the importance of maintaining a regular hygiene programme and healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing

Brushing two to three times a day is recommended to everyone for a reason.  It prevents plaque buildup which in turn prevents gum disease.  Timing is hugely beneficial too with the most ideal times typically being; after breakfast/prior to leaving for the day, after meals and sugary snacks and, before bed.  Be sure to watch what kind of brush you use – you’ll want soft bristles as anything harder can cause damage such as gum recession and enamel erosion.

Flossing

Other than brushing, nothing is more crucial to gum care than cleaning between your teeth.  Whether using old fashioned floss, floss picks, or new interdental brushes, making sure you are clear of plaque buildup and harmful bacteria will do a great deal to alleviate the risks for and symptoms of gingivitis.

Mouthwash

Therapeutic, not cosmetic, mouthwash can be a boon to gum health as well, providing another weapon in the war on gum disease.

Diet

Be sure to watch the amount of sugar consumed as it can feed the bacteria that cause gum disease.  Stay away from added sugars, and make sure to ingest enough calcium to keep up your protection against dental issues and jaw deterioration.  Remember to brush when possible after enjoying sugary treats and beverages.

Regular Dental Visits

Gum conditions are often painless and without symptoms when they begin.  It’s important, therefore, to regularly see your dentist so they can assess any issues you might have.  Have regular checkups every six months or more often if you’re at greater risk of oral diseases.

Follow these guidelines of preventative gum maintenance and you should be able to stave off any problems.  If you are showing signs of gum disease or need to see a professional to get a checkup, contact our team today, and we’ll help you get your gums back on the right track.

Are All Mouthwashes Equal?

Mouthwash is an important part of a rigorous dental health regimen, and has been around in one type or another for thousands of years, though it’s only entered common use since the 1960s.  An anti-septic mouth rinse, mouthwash has been shown to be useful in aiding in the prevention of the buildup of plaque and lowering the associated risk of gingivitis and decay, as well as for fighting bad breath.   There are numerous brands and types of mouthwash available on the market today, but are they all worthy tools in preventing dental issues?

The short answer is: no.  The longer answer is that there are two types of mouthwash, cosmetic and therapeutic.  Cosmetic mouthwash is mainly associated with keeping the teeth free of debris and keeping breath smelling nice.  Therapeutic mouthwash on the other hand is anti-bacterial in nature, making it effective against plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.  Obviously, therapeutic mouthwash is far more preferable, and on top of that, it’s easy to spot – just look for a recommendation from the Canadian Dental Association.

Beyond that simple division there are other things worth considering.  Alcohol is a primary ingredient in many mouthwashes but can cause dry mouth, which paradoxically can irritate oral issues and cause bad breath.  Alcohol-free mouthwashes are available as well, but many of those ingredients have side effects too.  Some oils may have an unpleasant taste, and others with Chlorhexidine should only be used for a short time frame as they can brown teeth or change your sense of taste.

Mouthwash has its pros and cons, but on the whole it’s usually worth using as part of your at-home dental care routine, provided you stick with the therapeutic varieties.   It’s also critical to remember, that no matter how good your mouthwash is, it is never a replacement for brushing and flossing.  If you have any dental issues that mouthwash isn’t helping with, please contact us today, and we’ll do what we can to help.