Wednesday, September 28, 2016

How to Overcome Your Smile Insecurities

Everyone deserves to have a smile that expresses self-confidence and inner beauty. Unfortunately, too many people are insecure about their smile when the sources of their unhappiness can easily be fixed. Turns out, with some simple, cost-effective, and painless cosmetic dentistry, you can dazzle the world with your smile.
Three of the biggest smile inhibitors are yellowing or discolored teeth, crooked teeth, and gaps. Each of these issues can be addressed by an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) member dentist to give you the results you've dreamed of.
Teeth Whitening
There are a number of reasons why teeth become discolored over time from internal causes to external factors. So, it just makes sense that there are a variety of ways to deal with whitening, from simple do-it-yourself products to more extensive in-office treatments. While a prescription is not needed for the over-the-counter home remedies, it is a good idea to discuss them with your AACD dentist. In-office remedies are typically more effective and better for people with sensitivity issues because the rest of the mouth can be protected.
Crooked Teeth
While most people instantly picture teens in braces when they think of straightening crooked teeth, there are options for adults that are much more subtle than the full-metal braces of the past. Short-term orthodontics can include invisible braces that are placed behind the teeth and which can be a faster alternative to traditional braces; clear aligner therapy -- such as Invisalign -- a well-known "nearly invisible" treatment that uses trays to gradually create change; and more. With strict compliance, these solutions can create straighter teeth.
Gaps
Some gaps between teeth (diastema) can be fixed with the traditional metal braces or other short-term options mentioned above. But there are other methods of fixing gaps that can work almost instantly to give you a smile that you'll want to share. Bonding fills in the space by using a resin, and dental veneers use ceramic or porcelain to subtly widen the teeth to diminish the gap. If your gap is due to missing teeth or dental implants, a bridge or partial dentures can restore the healthy appearance you once had.
Talk to an AACD member dentist to find out which treatment(s) are best suited to tackling your smile-inhibitors and take your smile from blah to brilliant.  


By: NewsUSA for NewsUSA
http://www.mcdonoughvoice.com/news/20160928/how-to-overcome-your-smile-insecurities


If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Monday, September 26, 2016

Will dentist help you to grow new teeth?



If you don’t like going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Most people have some anxiety about visiting the dentist, with one study in the Netherlands indicating that 24% of adults feared the dentist. Moreover, significant amounts of people who fear the dentist avoid visiting until they really need to. That could help explain why 92% of American adults have tooth decay in their permanent teeth.
But there is good news on the horizon as well—recent research also suggests that we might soon be able to refill the holes in our teeth with healthy, living tissue, giving our permanent teeth a second chance.
Compared to other species, you may think we humans are extraordinarily unlucky to have to depend on the same set of adult teeth for the majority of our life. Shark enthusiasts are familiar with the fact that sharks have unlimited sets of teeth during their lifetimes. Galeophobes in particular might be terrified to learn that sharks have rows of baby teeth underneath the skin waiting to replace the functional ones, and shed and replace teeth as often as every three weeks, causing experts to believe that the sea floor is littered with the teeth of sharks.
So if sharks, and most reptiles and amphibians can replace their teeth over a lifetime, why do humans and most mammals only get two sets of teeth?
Abigail Tucker, a professor of development and evolution at King’s College London says that there is a trade-off between the complexity of the teeth and the amount of sets the species gets. Since mammals have the ability to chew, meaning they can grind their teeth sideways (think of the movement a cow or horse makes) we have developed complex sets of teeth with multiple cusps, the bumps and mounds that define the shape of our teeth. While our pointy canine teeth (cuspids) each have only one cusp, our premolars (bicuspids) each have two cusps and our molars each have four or five cusps.
“The complexity is linked to diet, with bamboo eaters having the most complex teeth,” she says. “Something like a giant panda or a bamboo eating lemur have complex back teeth with lots of cusps so they can really chew and grind the hard tissue. So their teeth look similar even though they’re completely unrelated to [other] mammals.”
There are other fascinating examples of animals with unique dental abilities. Piranhas have teeth that are fused together to make large teeth that resemble a type of sharp knife. When they shed teeth, they lose an entire quadrant all at once, and rely on the other three quadrants to survive while the new teeth come in.
While mammals are typically restricted to two sets of teeth – a set of deciduous teeth and a set of permanent teeth – some mammals have retained the ability to create more teeth or have evolved to have the ability again. Manatees for example keep forming new teeth in the back their mouths over the course of their entire lives.
Other animals only get one set of teeth, but they continuously grow, including the aye aye lemur and rodents like rats and mice. “Rodents and rabbits typically have a stem cell population at the base of the tooth that keeps growing dentin and enamel. It’s an adaptation to the hard foods that they’re eating,” says Tucker.
Other approaches use the cells that are in our teeth to heal cavities that have already penetrated  the enamel, by stimulating the creation of dentin, the calcified tissue that makes up the inner portion of our teeth. Recent research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine for example, found that treating exposed tooth pulp in rats with low-power laser light before filling the cavity could induce stem cells to create dentin in the tooth.
In another approach, researchers from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University are developing a therapeutic biomaterial that can work to heal a cavity, and intervene before a root canal is necessary. The material can stimulate a particular type of stem cells in the pulp tissue to interact with other material that forms a new kind of dentin-producing cell.
“This material can be injected in contact with pulp tissue and hardened with UV light to form a plastic,” says Adam Celiz, a postdoctoral fellow that is working on its development. “The native cells interact with the plastic and differentiate into a different kind of cell that produces dentin. So we’re hoping to restore that dentin layer to return vitality to the tooth, which means the pulp tissue wouldn’t have to be removed by a root canal.”
Prevention is key
Of course, dentists will tell you that preventing cavities from forming in the first place is the key to your dental longevity, starting with good oral hygiene—brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day and making regular trips to the dentist – and eating the right kind of foods.
“The most important food and thing for us to keep in mind in terms of prevention is water – especially fluoridated water,” says Sahota. “Not only does the fluoride help mineralise and regenerate tooth structures that may have become infected by a cavity, the physical motion of drinking water helps to flush away food, bacteria and any debris that may be stuck in your teeth as well.” She adds that dairy is also great because it’s high in calcium and that lean protein helps strengthen and rebuild enamel.
Even if we can rebuild this material in our mouths, we still have to fend off a modern menace in our industrialised diets – refined sugar.  That’s because bacteria secrete acid when it breaks sugar down, and that acid can cause decay in our teeth.
So what type of candy is best avoided? Sahota says hard candies like lollipops are especially bad since they give you a constant exposure to sugar, while sticky candies get stuck in your teeth for long periods of time.
At least she has good news for the chocoholics among us. “Chocolate after lunch or dinner is a better choice than a lot of other candy because it can get flushed out more easily. So go ahead and enjoy a bite after your meal."


By: Tifannie Wen
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160922-will-dentists-help-you-to-grow-new-teeth

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Monday, September 19, 2016

How often should you brush your teeth? Oral hygiene 'dos and don'ts' explained by expert


Are we brushing our teeth frequently and for long enough? The British Dental Association has outlined the routine we should all get in to.

It's a habit which has been drummed into us from an early age, but the recent news flossing your teeth could be a waste of time has put the spotlight on oral hygiene.
When it comes to looking after our teeth, there are certain pieces of wisdom which we've incorporated into our routines.
But in the wake of the news about flossing, when it comes to oral hygiene, how much does your average person know about what we should be doing - and which habits do we need to ditch?
For example, how many of us know how long we SHOULD brush or teeth for and how often? And what are we doing wrong?
MirrorOnline spoke to the British Dental Association’s scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, who kindly put together this definitive list of "dos and don'ts."

How often?

"The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, limit the frequency, and amount of sugary food and drinks consumed in your diet, and see the dentist regularly.

 

Don'ts'

  • Brush for long enough – research indicates that people only brush for 45 seconds
  • Rinse the mouth after brushing – fluoride helps to prevent, control and even stop tooth decay – but rinsing the mouth out dilutes the concentration of fluoride, so SPIT, don’t rinse.
  • Brush too soon after eating – as enamel on teeth is softened after eating especially with sugary foods – it’s best to wait an hour before brushing which allows the tooth to harden up more.
  • Use a hard bristle toothbrush as this can damage the soft tissues in the gums.
  • Don't brush too hard – the bristles should lightly sweep the tooth.

 

'Dos'

  • Brush for at least two minutes, twice daily, with a fluoridated toothpaste
  • Brush last thing at night and at least on one other occasion
  • Use a small headed toothbrush with medium bristles.
  • Put a pea-sized blob of fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush.
  • Brush along the gum line as well as the teeth themselves
  • Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the outer, inner and chewing surfaces as well as the hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restorations.

If you have spaces between teeth, it is best to clean these with an interdental or single-tufted brush. Where the spaces between teeth are too tight to fit such a brush, use dental floss or tape
If you are unsure about the effectiveness of brushing, use disclosing tablets after brushing to highlight any areas you may have missed.
There is good evidence that a small-headed counter oscillating electric toothbrush helps in removing dental plaque but they must be used correctly and your dentist or hygienist will advise.

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers your teeth and gums. It develops constantly and you clean it off every day when you brush your teeth. Certain harmful oral bacteria feed on the sugars you eat to create acids that destroy the tooth enamel.
Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids, that cause your teeth to experience a hole in them.
The more sugar you eat, the more acid you will create in your mouth, and the more acidic attacks your teeth are exposed to, the higher the risk of developing tooth decay.

By: Zahra Mulroy, Mirror
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/how-often-should-you-brush-8637066

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Friday, September 16, 2016

Doctors, Dentists Seek New Ways to Reach Millennial Patients

Kate Morgan, 25, hasn't seen a doctor for a checkup since before she went to college, when she saw her pediatrician at age 18.

"Nothing's bothering me, I don't have any symptoms, why go see a doctor?" reasoned Morgan, who recently moved from Voorhees, N.J. to Hummelstown, Pa. When she has needed medical care, she either went to the emergency department or visited an urgent care clinic.
For now she has insurance under her dad's policy, but that's ending with her 26th birthday next week. She works multiple part-time jobs, so she can't get employer-based insurance.
"I have no idea how the health insurance marketplace works or if I can afford it," she said. "I haven't looked into it because it's kind of daunting."
Morgan is not alone. According to the 2015 Investing in the Health and Well-Being of Young Adults report, only 55 percent of Americans ages 18 to 25 visited a doctor's office in 2009 and only 34 percent visited a dentist.
There are lots of reasons: feeling invincible, difficulty navigating the health care system, concerns about costs and co-pays, and the inconvenience of making an appointment and seeing a doctor or dentist. Under the Affordable Care America Act (also known as Obamacare), everyone who can afford it is legally obligated to get health insurance or pay a penalty. One of the main reasons some major insurers have cited for leaving the exchanges is the lack of young, healthy people signing up, leaving the exchanges full of older and less healthy people who cost more to cover.

 

How often


How often a person should get a physical exam depends on whom you ask, said Janice Hillman, an adolescent-medicine physician at Penn Medicine.
"A medical provider will say once a year for an annual physical," she said. "But if you ask insurance, they'll say 18-34 year olds are your ideal patient population because they're never sick, so well-checks should be every two years and three years with some insurance plans."
But it's about more than an insurance quagmire. The millennials (19-35 year-olds) are a lost generation for health care, Hillman said. They hate to, as they see it, waste time and money; they don't place as much store as their elders on having a personal relationships with a provider; and they go to the internet for answers. When they do get sick, they choose retail clinics and emergency rooms for the convenience.
"Most millennials cannot believe that our outdated, inefficient system says, 'You're sick today, come in two weeks when I have an appointment for you,'" Hillman said. "So they go where they can be seen at the time and place of their choosing."
The health care system is taking notice. Online apps such as DocASAP and Zocdoc; telemedicine, where doctors work with patients via phone and web; and an increase in physician assistants who can examine, diagnose and treat patients, are gaining popularity. ERs are developing parallel tracks so they can accommodate true emergencies as well as patients who use the ER as a primary care office. Many doctors and hospital systems are communicating with patients through text messages, the favorite tool of the tech-savvy generation.

"The millennials want efficiency, value, to be treated with respect, and customer service, and we have to listen," said Hillman.

 

Pediatrician


For some young adults, that means sticking with their pediatrician. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey analysis estimates that there were 700,000 visits to pediatricians by 19-28 year olds in 2002, 1.4 million in 2007 and 2.4 million in 2012.
The fact that they are seeing any doctor is good news, said Patience White, director at the Center for Health Care Transition Improvement, a group that studies the transition from pediatric to adult health care.
Karly O'Toole, 24, doesn't feel regular checkups are worth the trouble. "The doctor that I had is in West Chester and it's not easy to get there," said the Center City resident. An account executive still on her parents' insurance, she doesn't want to take time off from work or lay out the co-pay.
"It's more of a chore to me than it is a benefit. If I'm feeling okay, I don't feel the need to get a checkup."
O'Toole does see a specialist for a recurring heart issue and sees the gynecologist for birth control. But for anything else she'll consult her mom or the pharmacist, and if necessary, go to an urgent care facility. She eschews dentists.
Dental care recommendations include a cleaning every six months, four basic x-rays once a year and a full set of x-rays every four to five years, said dentist Jeff Cabot, owner of Queen Village Family Dentistry. But there's an obvious gap in the millennial age group, he said.
"Dentistry is best done on a routine basis," he said, noting that by the time there's pain, what could have been a simple filling might turn into a root canal or crown - or even systemic health problems.
"Gum disease increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, low-birth-weight babies of pregnant mothers, and there's a connection with Alzheimer's disease because it's literally an infection that can travel through your entire body," he said.
Cabot chalks up the reluctance to young people feeling invincible, and also fear of the cost of dentistry.

"A lot of people think it's expensive but if you do it properly it can actually reduce your overall costs," he said.
That's what happened to Morgan. Though she was cavity-prone as a kid, until last year, she hadn't seen a dentist in seven years. When she finally did go, she needed extensive work. "Now I go regularly and am very much committed to dental care," she said.
"But I've yet to do the same with regular health care."

By: Terri Akman
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/20160918_Doctors__dentists_seek_new_ways_to_reach_millennial_patients.html

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

6 Ways to Ease Your Child’s Anxiety at The Dentist

"It's time to go to the dentist," are seven words no adult or child wants to hear. While these are not words most people like to hear they are words you need to hear if you care about your smile. Sadly, many children are terrified by even the thought of going to the dentist. May officials have often encouraged the use of sedation dentistry even amongst small kids to help them deal with the nerves associated with visiting the dentist which has led to a widespread debate on if children should be allowed to take in such drug. Despite the debate one thing remains in order to keep healthy teeth your children must go to the dentist here are just a few ways you can help calm your toddler when it's time to go to the dentist:

Speak Positive Words

When it comes to going to the dentist it is terrifying for both children and adults. In order to eliminate anxiety before going to the dentist it is important that you let your child know that the visit will be an exciting one versus telling them they should be afraid.

Embrace Brushing Teeth at Home

It is recommended that you begin brushing your child's teeth once they start growing in. This not only encourages overall healthy teeth but it also helps children get used to having something on their teeth so that they are not paralyzed by fear when their first trip to the dentist arrives.

Start with a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists specialize in only children's teeth which may be the best bet for your little one as they get used to visiting the dentist. Not only is a pediatric dentist an expert in pediatric tooth care but he is also an expert in making sure your child does not have a full blown while getting take care of.

Play Pretend

Kids love playing pretend and using it as a tactic in overcoming fear will make playing pretend so much better. Set up a play date a few days before your child visits the dentist and have his or her room set up like a dentist office. Pretend to be the dentist and let them be the patient as you explore their teeth and gums. Your child is sure to love this game and most of all you are prepping them for their visits in a few days.

Don't Bribe Your Child

When taking your child to the dentist the last thing you want to do is bribe your child with things such as candy or other sweet treats. Bribing your child with sweets would be counterintuitive to what the dentists does for the teeth. It is best to simply calm your child's nerves. If you must bribe your child bribe them with stickers and or other fun activities.

Avoid Words that Promote Fear

Using the words "pain." "shot" or even "doctor" can be frightening for small children so try not to let your child know that they are going to see a doctor. Instead, share with them that they are going to see someone who cares about how strong their teeth and gums are. Using less fearful words could also help with decreasing anxiety.

By: Stephanie R. Caudle
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-r-caudle/6-ways-to-ease-your-child_b_11549086.html

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Monday, September 12, 2016

How do I Care for my Teeth as an Adult?


How do I Best Care for My Teeth as an Adult?
The key to keeping a bright, healthy smile throughout adulthood is to practice proper oral hygiene. Even adults can get cavities, as well as gum disease, that can lead to serious problems. Throughout your adult life, it's important to continue to:
  • Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque-the sticky film on your teeth that's the main cause of tooth decay.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline, before it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
  • Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks. The more often you snack between meals, the more chances you give the acids in plaque to attack your tooth enamel.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
What Special Dental Issues Should I Be Aware of as an Adult?
Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain oral health issues as an adult. Luckily, your dentist can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.
  • Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which in this early stage is still reversible. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush them. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your dentist before serious problems develop. Advanced stages of gum disease may lead to tooth loss.
    The health of your gums can also affect your overall health. Recent studies have shown a possible link between periodontitis (a gum disease) and other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and a possible link to premature births. To prevent gum disease from getting started in the first place, be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily and schedule professional cleanings every six months.
  • Cavities around existing fillings (called recurrent decay) and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth become more common as we age. So it's important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
  • Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums naturally recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel. These areas are particularly prone to pain due to cold or hot foods or beverages. In severe cases cold air, as well as sensitivity to sour and sweet drinks and foods, can occur. If you experience sensitivity, try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the problem persists, see your dentist, as the sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.
  • Crowns are used to strengthen damaged teeth. A crown entirely covers or "caps" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Implants and bridges are used to replace missing ones. Dental implants replace one or more teeth or are used to attach full or partial dentures. Consult with your dentist to see if implants are right for you. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.
How Can I Help Make My Teeth Look Whiter?
Thorough cleanings by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining caused by food and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains.
Internal stains can be bleached, bonded or capped (crowned). While each of these methods is safe and effective, your dentist will recommend which treatment is appropriate for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to achieve.

What Effect Does Diet Have On My Oral Health?
In addition to greatly affecting your overall health, proper nutrition is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating a well-balanced diet gives your gum tissues and teeth the important nutrients and minerals they need to stay strong and resist infections, which can contribute to gum disease. In addition, firm, fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to help clean the teeth and tissues. Soft, sticky foods tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth, producing more plaque.
Each time you consume foods and drinks that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more. To reduce damage to your tooth enamel, limit the number or between meal snacks and drinks. And when you do snack, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit.

Source: Colgate Oral Care Center
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/article/how-do-I-care-for-my-teeth-as-an-adult

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?



Every time we pass them along our teeth, we trust that our toothbrushes are handling business and getting rid of disease-causing plaque, which is full of bacteria. But if you're using an old toothbrush you’re not doing your mouth any favors. You see, while many of us know how important it is to take care of our teeth, we aren’t as diligent when it comes to taking care of our toothbrushes.

Toothbrushing plays an essential role in personal oral hygiene. However, if you’re brushing your teeth as often as you’re supposed to — twice a day, in the morning and right before bed — then the bristles on your toothbrush are becoming frayed and worn with each use faster than you realize. This isn’t a good thing since worn-out brushes won’t efficiently clean teeth and become less effective at fighting off decay.

“As your bristles start to fray, they are not actually getting in between your teeth. You may not be as efficient at brushing your teeth,” Dr. Jonathan Abenaim, dentist and clinical instructor at New York University, told Medical Daily. “There may be bacteria or a few particles left behind if you don’t have the right toothbrush.”

A frayed toothbrush can be an inconvenience, but the solution is simple: replace it. The American Dental Association recommends that consumers replace toothbrushes approximately every three to four months, or possibly sooner if you’ve been sick. It’s also important to note that you’re not just throwing away your toothbrush, but millions of bacteria.

One study from the University of Manchester in England found that the average toothbrush contains at least 10 million bacteria — including E. coli and Staph. When you think about it, this makes sense since at any given time there are about 100 to 200 oral bacteria species living in your mouth, most of which end up on a toothbrush after a single brushing. In fact, a new toothbrush can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and fungi (living in the mouth or from the external environment) after just 30 seconds of use. What’s more, these germs don’t just stay on the toothbrush, they can also be transmitted to other toothbrushes in the household, increasing the risk of infection with each use.

In other words, swapping out your toothbrush every three to four months is just as important as brushing twice a day and flossing when it comes to maintaining your oral health.



By: Jaleesa Baulkman
http://www.medicaldaily.com/how-often-should-you-change-your-toothbrush-bacteria-dental-care-385771

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:
North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Friday, September 2, 2016

10 Things You Should Know Before Going to the Dentist


Fortunately for parents and kids, there are ways to make the dentist appointment less stressful for everyone. Here are 10 things to know before visiting the dentist:

1. Find a dentist that suits you and your family. Seek recommendations or look online for reviews. Call ahead to ask if you can interview or speak with the dentist about any reservations you may have regarding your dentist appointment. If you are taking a child to the dentist, consider using a pediatric dentist.

2. Gather your dental records, x-rays, insurance information, and any other pertinent papers to bring with you to your appointment. If this is a child’s first appointment, consider letting them hand their records to the dentist themselves.

3. Know your water. Find out if your drinking water contains fluoride. If not, your doctor may suggest that you and your child use a fluoride mouth rinse in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

4. Write down any questions you may have, so you do not forget to leave without the answers you need. When taking children to their dentist appointment, encourage them to ask any questions they may have too.

5. Talk with your children about what they can expect to happen during their visit. Describe how their teeth will be cleaned and the dentist will check for cavities. Explaining the procedure beforehand may help to ease any nervousness and help them to feel more confident during their appointment.

6. Talk with your dentist. If your child is nervous about the visit, let your dentist and hygienist know. Some children may be nervous, while others may have difficulty sitting still, or even sensitivities to lights and sounds. Talk with the dental office beforehand to make sure they can accommodate your needs.

7. Practice full disclosure with both the dentist and the hygienist. It will be helpful to tell them about any health issues, even if you may not think it would be a concern during a regular dental appointment. Let the office know if there is a chance that you may be pregnant, if you or your child have any allergies (particularly to latex or medications), bleeding or clotting problems, or any other health issues. Women who are pregnant or nursing may need to avoid x-rays and certain dental procedures.

8. Request your favorite hygienist. If you find a hygienist who you or child respond well to, ask for that person’s name and have it added to your file. That way you can request that same hygienist for your next visit.

9. Remember to schedule your next appointment! (This is one sin that I am super guilty of committing, and then before I know it too much time has passed between appointments.) Dental exams are not merely to check for cavities. Your dentist will be looking for signs of decay, gum disease and even oral cancer, so do not skip an appointment simply because you or your child are not having any pain.

10. Keep proper dental care going all year long. According to the CDC, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. Keep up with regular dental care, including brushing twice daily, flossing, and eating a healthy diet. You should also speak with your dentist about whether or not your child should be using a flouride mouth rinse. Encourage your children to take care of their teeth so they can avoid any issues in the future. The better you and your children care for your teeth between appointments, the more likely your appointments are to go smoothly.

By: Jessica Cohen, Babble
http://www.phillytrib.com/things-you-should-know-before-going-to-the-dentist/article_771dac6e-d24f-5c43-a0ae-0d28cc15eb4a.html

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811