The Science of Dental Fear

Most people go through life without experiencing some extent of dental phobia. Unfortunately, there are many who have a severe case of this condition, so much so that it impedes efficient dental care. This condition isn't just an urban legend, nor is it just a figment of the imagination, but rather, a scientifically-acknowledged phobia.

Like most of the conditions classified as a 'phobia', dental fear triggers an anxiety attack whenever the sufferer knows or thinks that a trip to the dentist is imminent. While many sufferers tend to veer away from thoughts of their teeth and dental operations, some cannot help but think about it most of the time. Either way, this will affect the way they are living their daily lives.

Research suggests that this fear can stem from a mental disorder of some sort, or at least be aggravated by it. Rational dental fears may stem from first-hand experience, but some arise out of stories and perhaps media influence. Whichever might be the cause, one thing is for sure: the fight-or-flight response that it elicits is an inconvenience for both the patient and the dentist.

Thankfully, there are many options available today that can lessen the anxiety brought about by dental procedures, dental sedation being one of them. This technique allows the patient to relax throughout the operation, which is of great help both to the anxious person whose teeth need treatment and the cautious dentist trying to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly.

An Apple a Day Keeps The Dentist Away – Literally

Something that a lot of people aren't aware of is that there are foods that can actually help clean your teeth naturally. Dentists emphasize the fact that too much sugar can form acids in your mouth, which could lead to cavities and other dental problems; however, there are some foods that can neutralize these acids.

Fruits and vegetables that are referred to as “detergent foods” are among the best foods that effectively clean teeth. Apples and strawberries, for instance, are among these fiber-rich fruits that when combined with saliva become active agents that wash away food and bacteria inside the mouth. Snacking on raw celery, carrots, and cucumbers is also an effective way to clean the teeth's surface and remove plaque. Chewing on cheese, meanwhile, which is rich in calcium and phosphate, can help strengthen the teeth and enamel.

Dentists say that it is important to watch what we eat. A balanced diet is good for your oral health, hence your consumption of candies, sodas, alcohol, junk food, and artificial fruit juices, which are notoriously high in sugar and can cause a huge buildup of acids and bacteria in the mouth, must be kept at a minimum. Consuming them is not prohibited, though, and dentists just remind their clients to brush their teeth after eating to get rid of plaque-building bacteria, and also to add detergent foods to their daily diets to help clean the teeth naturally and maintain good oral hygiene throughout the day.

So You Need to Go to the Dentist?

It's finally that time of the year again – to visit the dentist, that is. Choosing a dentist may seem easy, but finding one who is experienced and reliable is really not as easy as it sounds. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right dentist to take care of your teeth.

Do your research.

Ask for recommendations or approach your local dental society for a directory of dentists or associations. If possible, find a dentist who is a member of the American Dental Association. With over 157,000 members, the ADA is the country's largest non-profit association that stands as a symbol of  dependability and effectiveness in the dental community. They are considered to be the best source of dental news and information for both dentists and patients.

Consider flexibility and accessibility.

Choose a dentist whose office is conveniently located near your home or workplace. Ask the dentist about how he schedules appointments and check if his office hours fit well with your schedule too. Also consider the fees, payment plans, and insurance policies offered by the dental office. Try to meet with the dentist for a consultation and see what his office is like. Does he answer your questions appropriately? A reliable dental practitioner would take the time to clarify any confusion or misconceptions you might have.

Choosing a dentist you can trust wouldn't be too difficult – if you only know how and where to look.

Visit a Sedation Dentist in Philadelphia and Get Rid of Your Fears

A sedation dentist in Philadelphia employs various methods. Sedatives can be administered orally as drugs and pills, or injected through IV. IV sedation causes the patient to remain awake and responsive, but in a state of deep relaxation with partial to full memory loss for the duration of the procedure. Sedatives can also come in the form of a gas, such as laughing gas or nitrous oxide. Dentists let their patients inhale the gas, making the latter feel giddy and relaxed during the dental procedure. Furthermore, some dentists also subject some patients to deep sedation or total anesthesia, if necessary; in other words, they are put to sleep.
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Dental Sedation: Making a Philadelphia Dentist Appointment More Relaxing

Dental sedation is widely administered by dentists in the state of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas DeFinnis, a trusted Philadelphia dentist at Wynnewood Dental Arts, for instance, is known for providing services in dental sedation through a number of methods. One of them is by letting the patient inhale nitrous oxide or laughing gas, which causes a pleasant sensation and distracts the patients from their pain, calming them down during dental procedures. Another method is oral conscious sedation, or the use of oral sedative drugs such as valium and vistaril. Intravenous sedation, meanwhile, is the administration of sedatives through the veins. Levels of sedation may vary depending on what is appropriate for the patient as deemed by the dentist; it could be minimal, where the patient is conscious but merely feels calm, or deep, where the patient is barely conscious.
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