Dental Anxiety Bethesda: What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental Anxiety Bethesda
Dental Anxiety Bethesda | Do you have anxiety or fears about visiting the dentist? Or maybe your children have fears surrounding their dental appointments. This is a very common feeling among a surprisingly large number of patients. And since receiving dental care is so important, you will need some information to help ease this anxiety.
To overcome dental anxiety Bethesda patients are provided with information and tips found below.
What triggers dental anxiety?
Some of the most common causes of dental anxiety include:
- Fear of needles. Some people just generally dislike needles, while others are very apprehensive of the idea of having injections within their mouth.
- The dental drill. This type of anxiety can be triggered by the noises and vibrations caused by the use of a dental drill, as well as being fearful about possible pain.
- Feeling embarrassed about the state of one’s teeth.
- Fears about sedation.
Let Your Dentist Know
Experiencing dental anxiety Bethesda is nothing to be embarrassed about, as this condition is shared by a great number of people. To manage your anxiety, it is important to inform your dental team so that we can help you relax while you receive needed dental care.
If you have a child with dental anxiety, it may be helpful to work with a pediatric dentist who has a specialty in treating young children. It is vitally important that kids visit the dentist regularly for routine dental exam and cleaning appointments so that they can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Using Sedation
If you are extremely anxious about undergoing some type of dental procedure, you should know that sedation options are available. You may not even remember anything about your procedure afterwards if you have undergone some type of sedation.
Fear of Needles
It often helps to realize that your dentist will be using a numbing agent at the location of any injection. So you shouldn’t feel anything when actually receiving a needed injection.
It can also help to avoid looking at the needle as it goes into your mouth. Even if you rationally know that you will not experience any pain, your anxious mind can conjure up scenarios that create fear.
Being Embarrassed About Bad Teeth
Your dentist and dental team have seen every possible type of dental condition known to man. They deal with damaged teeth each and every day. It’s their job to help you with your oral health and your teeth.
More Tips on Dealing With Dental Anxiety
- Identify your fears and anxieties so that you can begin working toward a solution.
- Choose a caring dentist who listens to your concerns.
- Consider having your child visit a pediatric dentist if they have anxiety.
- Learn about mindfulness and breathing techniques.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with dental anxiety Bethesda is not impossible. You just need to be honest with yourself and identify some strategies that will help put you at ease when you are receiving needed dental care.
Don’t hesitate to be open about your fears and anxiety with your dentist and dental team. Dental anxiety is an extremely common condition that we are trained to deal with. Let us help you explore ways to put your mind at ease so that you can maintain the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.
Schedule A Consultation
If you’re someone who suffers from dental anxiety Bethesda, don’t delay schedule a consultation with us today. You can also contact our office 301-979-9071.
Family Dentist Bethesda: What Is Invisalign for Teens?
Family Dentist Bethesda
Family Dentist Bethesda | We were all teenagers once. And some of us have some decidedly unpleasant memories about having our teeth straightened using traditional metal braces. Although there have been some notable advances in this technology recently, such as a more streamlined appearance, many people prefer another treatment option.
In terms of treatments offered by a family dentist Bethesda teenagers now have a treatment option called Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves the use of clear aligners made of strong plastic that shift your teeth into their proper positions over time. This treatment offers numerous advantages over traditional braces, including the following:
- Virtually undetectable aligners made from clear plastic
- Very comfortable treatment
- Removable
Periodically, you will be swapping out your current set of aligners for a new set, according to your individual treatment plan. Most people need a new set every two weeks.
One important aspect of Invisalign is that patient compliance is extremely important. Unlike traditional braces that only an orthodontist can remove. You can remove your aligners at any time. But it’s all too easy to lose sight and forget to replace your aligners. You need to be wearing them at least 22 hours a day to avoid having your treatment time unnecessarily lengthened.
What are some benefits of Invisalign?
One of the main benefits of Invisalign that appeals to teenagers is the virtual invisibility of the treatment. Teenagers are going through an awkward phase of life in which their appearance is extremely important to them. Loudly advertising the fact that they are straightening your teeth is not much fun.
Invisalign provides an unobtrusive treatment option so that you can go to school or other activities without the worry of teasing or bullying. You can take selfies, class photos, or prom pictures without being self-conscious about your appearance.
Invisalign Comfort
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a very streamlined system. Your aligners will be fully custom to fit the unique contours of your teeth and mouth. The strong plastic has rounded edges. There are no brackets or wires to poke you or get caught on anything.
No Food Restrictions
One of the key selling points for Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever when you are wearing your aligners. Unlike traditional braces that restrict food choices like hard and sticky foods, you can eat whatever you like with Invisalign. You just remove your aligners when you want to eat or brush your teeth, and replace them when finished.
Let Us Hear From You
Would your teenager like to have their teeth straightened in a way that doesn’t get them noticed for the wrong reasons? Would they like to eat their favorite foods while straightening their teeth? If so, you should consider getting Invisalign. Please contact our family dentist Bethesda office today at 301-979-9071 to schedule a consultation at your convenience.
Rockville dentist: How To Care For Your Invisalign Aligners
How To Care For Your Invisalign Aligners
Rockville dentist | If you have embarked on the Invisalign orthodontic journey, you’ve been provided with a set of clear plastic aligners that will gently guide your teeth into perfection. Obtaining that perfect smile is not as easy as simply popping them into your mouth.
Now that you’ve received Invisalign from your Rockville dentist, therefore, it is extremely important that you care for your aligners so that you achieve optimal results and avoid having your aligners replaced.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that straightens teeth using plastic aligners. It offers the wearer an unobtrusive way of straightening their smile. The aligners are conveniently removable whenever you like, such as when you need to brush and floss your teeth. You can also remove them whenever you need to eat.
How does the system work?
About every two weeks, you will replace your current set of aligners with a new set to ensure that your teeth are continually being shifted into their correct positions.
However, be sure that you are keeping your aligners in your mouth for the prescribed amount of time, which is up to 22 hours a day. But, failing to do so could cause your treatment time to be delayed. Your Rockville dentist recommends.
Cleaning Your Aligners
In addition, caring for your aligners is not that difficult and just takes a few minutes. Try to develop the habit of cleaning them each time you brush. To clean your Invisalign aligners properly, you will need some toothpaste and a toothbrush. Commercially available toothpaste is often too abrasive. If you need suggestions, consult your Rockville dentist.
Here are the steps for cleaning your Invisalign aligners:
- Use lukewarm water to rinse your aligners.
- Put some toothpaste on your toothbrush and use small, circular motions. Brush the aligners inside and out.
- After thoroughly brushing the inside and outside of your aligners, rinse them using lukewarm water.
- After cleaning your aligners, place them back in your mouth or their storage container.
Proper Care
Furthermore, cleaning regularly is just one part of proper Invisalign care. But, you need to be cleaning your aligners each time you brush and floss your teeth.
Although your aligners are removable for eating, any food particles and plaque sticking to the aligners can cause tooth decay, so keep them as clean as you can.
Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain harsh ingredients that could cause the aligners to become corroded. Check with your Rockville dentist for recommendations.
Lastly, avoid soaking your aligners in mouthwash. The clear aligners are transparent and most mouthwashes are colored, which can stain your clear aligners.
In addition, another key point is that you should avoid rinsing your aligners in hot water. However, keep in mind that they are made of plastic, which can become warped by high temperatures.
Request More Information
Contact your Rockville dentist at 307-979-9071 if you would like to receive more information about how to care for your Invisalign aligners.
North Bethesda Dentist: What is Dental Anxiety?
North Bethesda Dentist
North Bethesda Dentist | Dental anxiety is a real thing for many people. It has no regard for age or social standing. It is estimated that anywhere from seven to 18% of the population experiences significant dental anxiety. Your North Bethesda dentist is trained to recognize dental anxiety and help patients become more comfortable when receiving needed dental care.
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is an experience in which a patient is extremely nervous when thinking of a dental visit to receive dental procedures or preventive care. It is basically a type of stress, fear, or panic that you feel when you enter a dental environment, or even thinking of such an environment.
A person experiencing dental anxiety may display a rapid pulse, sweating, upset stomach, and an overall feeling of dread when thinking of visiting the dentist office.
Dental anxiety is also known as dental phobia – a feeling of fear that can be caused by drills, needles, or thinking about a dental visit. It is not uncommon for those with dental anxiety to have had previous bad experiences, typically in childhood, that are causing their present fears of the dentist and the dental environment.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
Anxious patients can experience responses that are physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive.
Such a patient believes that they are better off by delaying a visit to the dental office. In reality, they are making it more likely that they will need costly and uncomfortable dental work in the future.
A patient dealing with dental anxiety may experience any of the following:
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Fainting or low blood pressure
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Apparent distress or signs of panic
Dealing With Dental Anxiety
If you suffer from dental anxiety, don’t be embarrassed. As mentioned earlier, this is an extremely common feeling that is shared by many patients. One of the best ways to deal with dental anxiety is to be upfront about it. Your dental team is used to dealing with patients with dental anxiety. T hey definitely want to know about it if you are having these feelings so that your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Many patients with dental anxiety find that it helps to distract themselves during their dental appointments. You can use a stress ball or fidget spinner, for example. Many patients are helped by wearing headphones or earbuds. Listening to an audiobook or your favorite music can help cover up the sound of dental instruments. Just make sure that you select a volume that is not so high that you cannot communicate with your dental team.
Sedation
Another way to relieve dental anxiety is to have a medication prescribed for you. You can take either prior to your visit or during it.
Most dentists also offer nitrous oxide – a colorless, odorless gas that helps you relax. But wears off rapidly after the supplying mask has been removed.
For More Information
If you are anxious about an upcoming dental appointment, don’t be afraid to reach out to us and let us know. There is nothing unusual or abnormal about these kinds of feelings. Your friendly dental staff is here to assist you in ensuring that your visit with us is as comfortable as humanly possible.
Contact our North Bethesda dentist today at (301) 979-9071 to request more information.
Dentist In North Bethesda MD: What is Restorative Dentistry?
Dentist In North Bethesda MD
Dentist In North Bethesda MD | There are plenty of dental diseases that can negativity affect the appearance of your teeth. Restorative dentistry is a perfect option if you’re interested in regaining your healthy smile!
Learn more about restorative dentistry below. Contact our dentist in North Bethesda MD today!
What does restorative dentistry entail?
Restorative dentistry is key to combating against dental diseases. Overall, the goal of restorative dentistry is to help you regain proper structure in your mouth. Also it restores the appearance of the dental tissues. In other words, restorative dentistry are procedures that correct and replace your teeth. In addition, it also enhances the aesthetic look and function of your teeth.
Importance of restorative dentistry
Benefits of restorative dentistry include the following:
- Restores your dental functions, and makes it easier to eat and chew comfortably.
- Improves the aesthetic of the oral tissue and structure that was affected.
- Results in a healthier, beautiful smile.
- Dental hygiene and dental health will improve.
- Empty spaces in teeth are filled in for better alignment of the teeth.
Restorative dentistry procedures
There are different kinds of restorative dentistry procedures; all keyed on improving the function and structure of your teeth. However, a professional dentist In North Bethesda MD should be the only one performing these procedures.
Tooth Replacement
A very common procedure amongst patients in restorative dentistry is tooth replacement. Dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges are some of the procedures that fall under the category. For example, dentures are removable teeth that appear natural and can replace a set of missing teeth.
Alternatively, dental implants can replace one or more teeth. Dental bridges like the name states, bridges the gap of missing teeth with natural looking replacements. Further, the devices that the dentist uses for tooth replacements are durable and appear natural. Replacing a missing tooth helps prevent dental damage, and helps with the function of your teeth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that are shaped like a natural tooth. The dentist will recommend a crown if a tooth has signs of decay or if it needs better shape. In addition, crowns help regain the natural functions of a tooth, and helps restore its structure.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings help fight against tooth decay and restores the tooth. In brief, it covers any spaces or holes in the teeth. Moreover, it helps regain the strength and function of the tooth.
Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning is a procedure that involves removing any Tatar or stains from the tooth. In addition, the procedure helps regain the natural color of your teeth. Your dentist In North Bethesda MD recommends.
Tips for taking care of restorative dentistry work
- Ensure that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss.
- Keep up with your routine dental checkups to ensure everything is up to par with your dental prosthetics.
- Avoid cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol drinking.
Learn More
Contact our dentist in North Bethesda MD at (301) 979-9071 to learn more about restorative dentistry. Call or schedule an appointment online here. Above all, our team looks forward to assisting you and your family
Dentist 20852: How to Maintain a Healthy Smile With a Healthy Diet
Dentist 20852
Dentist 20852 | Guarding against tooth decay and gum disease can be deceptively simple, but it is not always easy. Although most people are aware of the basics of oral care, protecting your healthy smile involves willpower and diligence.
For those wanting to avoid unnecessary visits to the dental office, contact our dentist 20852 are advised to arm themselves with knowledge to keep tooth decay and periodontal disease at bay.
Avoiding Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
To begin, let’s look at what we are trying to prevent. Tooth decay and gum disease are serious conditions that can lead to expensive and complicated dental procedures. If they progress unchecked, they can even cause the loss of your teeth.
The main threat to your teeth and gums is the presence of sugar in your mouth. The sugar gets there through the consumption of sugary foods and beverages like simple carbohydrates and sugars. Some common foods and beverages that fall into this category include:
- Sugary and acidic sodas
- Chips, cake and cookies
- Many fruit juices
- Candy
As sugar remains in contact with your teeth, it produces something called plaque. Plaque is a film that sticks to your teeth and creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Plaque produces acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. It can also irritate the gums surrounding and supporting your teeth, leading to periodontal disease. Left undetected and untreated, gum disease can eventually cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.
Eating a Balanced Diet
It is essential to eat a balanced diet so that your body has all of the nutrients available to support your teeth and gums, which includes a healthy immune system.
Two particularly important minerals for your teeth and gums are calcium and phosphorus. They are both essential in supporting healthy tooth structure. Rich food sources of phosphorus include fish, eggs, red meat, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds. Good calcium sources include cheese, spinach, yogurt, low-fat milk, spinach and tofu.
Stay Hydrated
Water is so ubiquitous that it is easy to forget how important it is to a healthy diet, and your teeth and gums. Water makes a good alternative to sugary beverages that can harm your smile. It helps you in two ways: For one, it helps to rinse away any sugar or food debris in your mouth. Secondly, it allows your body to flush out toxins and boost your immune system.
The Bottom Line
The key takeaway is that most foods and drinks are fine in moderation. Do you remember studying the food pyramid from when you were in school? Balanced diets are the healthiest for your teeth and smile. It is okay to have an occasional indulgence. Just remember that eating a healthy diet, combined with brushing and flossing at home, is critical in maintaining a healthy, happy smile. And don’t forget to keep up with your regular dental exam and cleaning appointments.
Contact Our Dentist 20852
To receive more information about protecting your teeth and smile, reach out to our dentist 20852 today. New patients welcome.