Month: August 2023

Childhood fears are many, and one of them is dentophobia or anxiety around dental appointments. A survey says that about twenty percent of school-going kids are scared of going to the dentist, which equates to one out of five children having a fearful response to the idea of sitting in a dentist’s chair. 

This fear of dentists could be because of several reasons, such as a previous bad experience or they learned it from a family member. This anxiety is sometimes also due to kids still learning about the world and how it works.

Dentophobia can be so excruciating for some kids that their parents have difficulty getting them to the dentist. But regular visits to the dentist are of paramount significance for young kids as it helps build proper oral hygiene. So what do parents do?

Here we will learn more about where this fear of dentists stemming from in kids and, as parents, how you can alleviate this anxiety.

What Is Dentophobia?

Dentophobia denotes the phobia of dentists. Fear is different from a phobia. 

• Fear is when you are scared of something, but it is noticeable only when it happens and does not interrupt your daily life.
• Extreme fears characterize phobias, and they interfere with everyday living. Phobias or anxiety disorders can also cause panic attacks.
• Anyone fearful of dentists would still schedule appointments for yearly checkups and show up at the dental office even if they are scared the whole time. Those with dentophobia will never schedule an appointment with their dentist and avoid it at all costs.

Some Of The Root Causes of Dental Anxiety In Kids

The first step in trying to help your kid with dentophobia is to understand where it is coming from. Most kids who are scared to go to a dentist have one or many of the following fears:

• Breathing is obstructed – During a dental exam or cleaning, patients’ mouths are open, making it difficult to breathe normally. If a child is a mouth breather, this position makes it even more difficult for him/her causing anxiety.
• The feeling of being powerless – When you lie on a dentist’s chair and have another person’s hands inside your mouth, you can feel vulnerable. This feeling is more intense in a kid as they already feel small in front of adults and are unable to use their instincts to disengage themselves from a scary situation. Also, if a kid is hurting while the dentist is going on with the checkup, they are unable to express it when their mouth is obstructed. 
• Pain – Though dentists try their best to minimize the pain, there could be times when hurting is inevitable. Maybe your kid underwent some dental work where the dentist was not gentle enough or did not medicate properly. This memory can make dental visits scary for children.
• Fear of dental setting – Kids get overwhelmed by the sight of so many instruments in the dentist’s office. Some kids have sensory issues which get triggered by the dentist’s office environment, sound, and smell.

Ways To Help Your Kid Be Comfortable In Dental Appointments

Dentophobia must be addressed early on, and parents need to team up to work together to help their kids overcome this anxiety. Here are some tips on how you can alleviate dental anxiety in your child:

• Talk to your kid – You can understand what is truly bothering your little one by talking to them. By being a good listener and asking questions in a kind and gentle tone, you can aid your kid in sharing their fears and give them support.
• Let your child pre-meet the dentist – If your kid’s dentist is active on social media platforms, you can introduce him/her to your kid using these tools, for instance, FB Live. Familiarity with the dentist outside the dental chair can soothe a child’s mind, and s/he could be more welcoming towards the idea of meeting the dentist.
• Roleplay – Child therapists use roleplay extensively to develop social and emotional skills in children. You could utilize the same method to develop a healthy outlook in your children toward dentist visits. Take turns with your child playing a dentist and a patient, but if your kid has an extreme phobia and refuses to take part in roleplay, do not push it.
• Go to a pediatric dentist – Pediatric dentists work only with children and possess additional experience and knowledge in child’s behavior as well as health. They are an excellent choice for kids, and if your kid is having problems adjusting to your current dentist, consider switching to a pediatric one.
• Show up early at the office – Coming early to the dentist not just gives you extra time for all the paperwork but also aids your kid in acclimating and relaxing in the dentist’s office. Sometimes anxiety in a child is due to overstimulation and not fear, so if you allow them more time to get used to the new environment, you have a better chance of a smooth appointment.

Dental anxiety is a real hindrance for your children which prevents a healthy oral regime. Take the necessary steps today to enhance your kid’s experience at the dental office.

Taking care of one’s teeth and gums is vital to overall health. A healthy diet is as important as good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Our teeth and gums are directly affected by the foods and beverages we consume. 

Having strong teeth and healthy gums is essential for looking after your overall health, and eating well can assist with that. In this article, we’ll learn how the foods we eat can either help or harm our teeth and gums as we investigate the link between nutrition and oral health.

How are diet and oral health connected?

A balanced diet and regular dental care are the two cornerstones of dental health. Let’s look at the relationship between what you eat and your teeth. Dental caries and gum disease can be prevented with a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins (mainly fish and poultry), nuts, seeds, and legumes. 

In particular, the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits are critical to maintaining healthy teeth. Beans and legumes are healthy if cooked properly, but they threaten your teeth if you eat them raw.

How Diet affects Oral health?

• Stay Away from Too Much Sugar

Too much sugar in the diet is a significant contributor to tooth problems. Tooth decay and cavities can be caused by consuming sugary foods and drinks because they foster the growth of dangerous bacteria in the mouth. 

The bacteria produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel by using sugar as energy. The risk of developing cavities can be significantly reduced by limiting the consumption of sugary foods and beverages, particularly in the hours between meals.

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Their Vital Role

Strong teeth and bones can only be maintained with enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet. Vitamin D from sun exposure or fortified sources and calcium-rich foods, including dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, aid tooth formation and remineralization. Teeth are strengthened, and cavities are avoided when enough calcium and vitamin D are in the diet.

• Fruits and Veggies

Apples, carrots, and celery all work great as natural toothbrushes because of their crunchy textures. Their fibrous nature encourages the production of saliva, which washes away food debris and neutralizes acids in the mouth. 

Tooth decay is less likely to occur with their natural sugars than with processed sugary treats. These meals have a mild abrasive effect on the teeth and gums, leading to better oral health and less plaque formation.

• The Importance of Water for Good Teeth

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, water is essential. Plaque on your teeth can be prevented by drinking enough water, which flushes away food debris and bacteria. For example, drinking fluoridated water can help you avoid cavities by fortifying your tooth enamel. Water is the best option over sugary drinks to stay hydrated and have healthy teeth and gums.

• Acidic Foods and Drinks

Even though citrus fruits and tomatoes have many positive health effects, their high acidity levels can harm our teeth and gums. If you regularly consume acidic foods and drinks, the enamel on your teeth will wear away, leaving them more vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity.  Limit your intake of acidic meals, and always rinse your mouth with water after eating anything acidic.

The Bottom Line 

The old proverb “you are what you eat” is accurate regarding your teeth. Having a balanced diet is essential for healthy teeth and gums. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, it’s necessary to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, increase the consumption of calcium-rich foods, increase the consumption of crunchy fruits and vegetables, and drink enough water.

Maintaining a healthy mouth and beautiful smile requires attention to both food and oral hygiene practices daily. Remember that eating well helps you look and feel your best from the inside out.

What are Temporary Veneers?

Temporary or trial veneers are thin coverings made of acrylic or resin applied to your natural teeth. Unlike porcelain, these veneers are carefully crafted in predetermined shapes and sizes. They are designed to temporarily enhance the appearance of your teeth until permanent veneers are ready to be fitted.

Securely bonded to your teeth, temporary veneers provide a quick solution while you await a permanent fix. They aim to preview how your teeth could look after the complete veneer treatment. Wearing these tooth-colored shells for approximately seven to ten days allows you to assess and decide on the desired aesthetic outcome.

How Are Temporary Veneers Created?

Temporary veneers are created by taking a mold of your teeth and pouring acrylic onto it. The mold is removed, leaving a perfect replica of the wax mock-up. Excess material is removed, and imperfections are polished out. These temporary veneers are not bonded to your teeth, so brush gently while experiencing some sensitivity.

Do Temporary Veneers Appear Natural?

While temporary veneers have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers, their appearance resembles that of permanent veneers. Consequently, even before your dentist completes the procedure by affixing the porcelain veneers, you will clearly understand the visual outcome of your new smile.  

Why are Temporary Veneers Necessary?

Patients often seek clarification regarding the necessity of temporary veneers and the associated process. When preparing for veneers, the dentist takes impressions of your trimmed teeth, which are then sent to the lab to create custom veneers. Temporary veneers serve a pivotal role for three main purposes: 

Aesthetic Considerations: Before veneers can be applied, the dentist trims the enamel of your teeth to create space for the porcelain shells. This alteration in tooth shape and appearance can result in an unusual look. Temporary veneers are placed to maintain a more “normal” appearance during the transition period to porcelain veneers.

Sensitivity Control: The preparation process for veneers involves trimming teeth, which can expose them and remove a protective layer. Consequently, the teeth become highly sensitive to hot and cold beverages. Temporary veneers offer a protective cover, shielding the exposed areas and reducing sensitivity.

Trial Run: Temporary veneers enable patients to experience and evaluate the appearance of permanent porcelain veneers before their final attachment. With the temporary veneers, patients can assess any necessary adjustments or refinements that they may want the dentist to address before placing the permanent veneers.

What to Anticipate While Wearing Temporary Veneers? 

During the period of wearing temporary veneers, you might encounter the following:

Adjustments to your oral care routine: Typically, temporary veneers leave no spaces in between, making it challenging to floss until the permanent veneers are installed.

Challenges with chewing: Temporary veneers are slightly thicker compared to permanent ones, which can lead to difficulties when biting and, in certain instances, mild discomfort.

Dietary restrictions: It is essential to avoid consuming hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods as they have the potential to dislodge the temporary veneers.

Sensitivity to extreme temperatures: Due to the partial exposure of your teeth resulting from enamel removal, you may experience discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Therefore, it is advisable to abstain from them until the permanent veneers are placed.

How Can I Safeguard My Temporary Veneers?

Even though temporary veneers may only be required for a limited duration, it remains crucial to maintain and protect them properly. Here are some recommended practices:

Prioritise your oral health. It is imperative to uphold excellent oral hygiene while wearing temporary veneers. Brush your teeth twice and floss daily, paying particular attention to the areas between your veneers.

Steer clear of dark-colored beverages and foods. Temporary veneers are prone to staining, so avoiding dark-pigmented drinks and foods like soda, tea, red wine, and coffee is advisable. 

Refrain from consuming sticky or hard foods. Given the ease with which temporary veneers can become dislodged, it is essential to steer clear of foods that may cause them to come loose while chewing or biting.

Is It a Worthwhile Investment?

Once the necessary tweaks have been made, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to have your permanent veneers firmly affixed. As you observe your radiant new smile reflected in the mirror, you’ll appreciate that all the endeavors were justified and rewarding! Temporary veneers are essential in the complete procedure, acting as a transitional phase towards attaining a lasting and enduring resolution.

Veneers are a popular dental solution for enhancing smiles, but taking care of them is essential to maintain longevity. Certain foods can potentially damage or stain veneers, compromising their appearance. In this article, we will discuss the foods you should avoid to protect your veneers and keep them looking their best

What Foods Should You Avoid With Veneers?

Hard and Crunchy Foods 

It is important to note that veneers are designed to be durable, but excessive force can still damage them. It is best to avoid biting into hard and crunchy foods, such as ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and nuts. These foods can exert too much pressure on your veneers, potentially causing them to chip, crack, or come loose. Opt for softer alternatives or cut these foods into smaller, more manageable pieces before consuming them.

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky and chewy foods tend to get stuck to the surface of veneers, leading to potential damage or discoloration. Avoid foods like caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and sticky candies that can pull or dislodge the veneers. These items can also contribute to plaque accumulation and increase the risk of cavities. Choose healthier snacks that are less likely to stick to your teeth, such as fruits or yogurt.

Staining Agents

Although veneers are stain-resistant, they are not entirely impervious to discoloration over time. Certain foods and beverages contain intense pigments that can stain veneers, affecting their natural-looking appearance. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and dark-colored sodas are common staining agents to avoid. Using a straw can help minimize contact with your veneers if you consume these beverages. Additionally, brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water after consumption can reduce the risk of staining.

Acidic Foods and Beverages

Acidic foods and drinks can erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth, including the veneers. Citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, carbonated beverages, and citrus-flavored drinks fall into this category. Acidic substances weaken the tooth structure, making them more susceptible to damage. Avoid prolonged exposure to these foods and drinks, and if consumed, rinse your mouth with water afterward to neutralize the acidity.

Seeds and Pits 

Foods like popcorn, sunflower seeds, and olive pits can pose a risk to your veneers. These items’ small and hard nature can lead to veneer damage or dislodgement. Be cautious when consuming items with seeds or pits, or remove them before eating.

Highly Pigmented Sauces 

Sauces like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and dark-colored condiments can stain veneers over time. If possible, limit your consumption of these highly pigmented sauces, or be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize the chance of staining.

What Foods Can You Eat?

Here are some items you can consume if you wear veneers: 

• Soft-cooked vegetables (e.g., steamed broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower)
• Lean proteins (e.g., grilled chicken, fish, or tofu)
• Soft fruits (e.g., bananas, berries, or sliced apples)
• Cooked grains (e.g., rice, quinoa, or couscous)
• Dairy products (e.g., yogurt, cheese, or milk)
• Soft bread (e.g., sandwich bread, tortillas, or wraps)
• Butter (e.g., peanut butter or almond butter)
• Smoothies or blended fruits and vegetables
• Soft pasta dishes (e.g., spaghetti with a smooth sauce)
•  Soups (e.g., vegetable soup or pureed soups)

Conclusion 

To ensure the longevity and aesthetics of your veneers, it’s crucial to make wise food choices. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage or dislodge veneers. Steer clear of staining agents and acidic foods that can compromise their appearance. By following these guidelines, you can maintain a beautiful smile and protect your investment in veneers.