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Dental phobia is a real thing – so, if going to the dentist makes you uncomfortable or queasy, know that you are certainly not alone. In fact, “as many as 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of fear and anxiety,” according to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. However, it’s also possible to overcome. Here are some of our favorite tips for overcoming dental anxiety so you can keep your oral health in tip top shape.
Learn more: Easing Dental Fear in Adults
Sharing your feelings can make a world of a difference. Once your dentist knows how you’re feeling, your team can better assist you and be aware of your needs and concerns. Make sure to:
If you can take your mind off a dental exam or procedure and distract yourself, it can be very helpful. Maybe bring headphones if the sound of a drill bothers you. You can listen to your favorite music or maybe an audiobook or podcast. You can also try squeezing a stress ball or try a fidget gadget to keep your hands occupied. Many dental offices also have TVs and magazines that can occupy your attention.
Try and relax your mind – this is where relaxation begins. Deep breathing exercises are great for calming and clearing your mind.
If you’re feeling blue, your teeth might be, too. According to Delta Dental, recent research suggests that people with anxiety or depression may experience a decline in oral health. Understand the connection and learn what to do if it’s happening to you.
The link between oral and mental health is hard to ignore. Data showed:
The most obvious explanation for the link comes from the behavioral effects of stress, depression and anxiety. People with these conditions sometimes lose focus on oral health habits, which can lead to significant dental issues. Depression, for example, can cause people to brush and floss at irregular intervals, skip dentist visits, have unhealthy diets and self-medicate with smoking.
Learn More about the Link Between Oral Health and Mental Health
Biologically, depression and anxiety cause several factors that impact oral health. The stress they create manifests itself in the body as a hormone called cortisol. As cortisol levels increase, the immune system gets weaker. This can leave you vulnerable to mouth conditions like gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis). In addition, medications prescribed for depression and anxiety can cause dry mouth. This lack of saliva can mean that food debris, plaque and bacteria aren’t getting rinsed from teeth easily, which can make it easier for cavities to form.
Anxiety, in particular, tends to be associated with several oral health issues. If you have anxiety, you’re more susceptible to:
As with depression, these issues may be attributed to a lack of oral care or as side effects of anxiety medication.
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The mouth is a great window to the rest of your body, so when you visit us at Adams Dental, we can take a peek into your overall health during your regular dental cleanings and exams. This could save you money, time, and health down the road. When your dentist can catch a problem early, there’s a much better chance of figuring out what’s going on and treating it early, with a higher success rate. Oftentimes, dentists can detect warning signs before we experience any symptoms. Actually, oral health is an easy way to boost your immune system, learn more HERE.
Luckily, when depression or anxiety takes a toll on oral health, there are ways to fight back. The simplest step you can take to maintain your oral health is to brush twice a day, floss daily and schedule regular dental appointments with Dr. Roberts and his team at Adams Dental Group. Keeping up these basic oral health habits can go a long way to keeping your mouth in tip-top shape.
Local dentist, Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 or our East location (913) 621-3113 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS August 10th, 2021
Posted In: Services | Procedures
Has it been a while since you smiled without reluctance? Having a missing tooth, or teeth, can do more than just alter your confidence. It can make tasks like chewing and talking difficult to deal with. Surprisingly, over 178 million Americans are experiencing tooth loss, so you’re definitely not alone and at Adams Dental Group, we’re here to help restore your smile and confidence with our multiple restorative options!
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS January 26th, 2021
Posted In: Services | Procedures
Tags: dental implants, dentures
Dental crowns can greatly extend the life of a tooth. They’re common, often painless, and help restore a smile. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of surveyed adults said that a healthy smile is socially important to them. You may need a dental crown, as it can help keep your smile healthy and bright, but how do you know when you need a dental crown?
Learn more about Dental Crowns from WebMD HERE.
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS September 15th, 2020
Posted In: Services | Procedures
