Dental Anxiety: Is Your Dentist Judging You?
Taking care of your teeth is something that is taught at a very young age. Brush your teeth morning and night and don’t forget to floss!
However, did you know that nearly half of adults over 30 years old show early signs of gum disease? If dental care is so well-known, then why is it that so many adults have issues with their teeth?
Dentist anxiety is the reason why many people don’t visit the dentist for preventative care and check-ups, causing their teeth to get worse over time. Continue reading to learn the answers to the top questions you’re too afraid to ask the dentist.
Does My Dentist Judge My Oral Hygiene?
If you haven’t gone to the dentist in a while, odds are you’re feeling a bit insecure about your teeth. Maybe you have more cavities than you care to admit. Maybe you haven’t been flossing every day and you’re afraid your mouth is dirtier than normal.
These anxious thoughts are called dentist anxiety. Dentist anxiety is an uneasy feeling a person experiences when considering a visit to the dentist or when they are at the dental office. Unfortunately, many people suffer from this anxiety and it causes adults to ignore dental issues over time.
Your dentist, just like your doctor, is there to help you. Your dentist is only there to provide you with medicine and treatment, as well as educational resources to help you take care of your teeth and gums. If you’re afraid you’re being judged by your dentist, odds are it’s probably all part of your anxiety.
How Do I Start Caring About Dental Hygiene?
If you’ve been neglecting your teeth or gums, the first step is to make your dental care part of your morning and nightly routine. In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you’ll also want to floss your gums at least once a day to help prevent gum disease.
If you notice that flossing your teeth is causing you to bleed, just know that is normal if you haven’t flossed in a while. Your gums are sensitive and will strengthen the more you floss. However, if it continues, it could be an early sign of periodontitis or gingivitis and you’ll want to see your dentist in Orleans (Canada) right away.
Here are some other ways you can start caring about your dental hygiene:
- Use products that contain fluoride.
- Limit snacks that are high in sugar.
- Eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid tobacco in any form.
- How Can Oral Hygiene Affect Productivity?
Many people would be surprised to know that not only does a lack of oral hygiene affect your teeth, gums, and overall health, it can also affect your productivity. From tooth pain to bad breath, dental hygiene can affect other facets of your life.
If you’re not taking care of your oral health, it can cause toothaches or severe pain in your gums and underlying bones. Depending on the severity of this pain, it can make it hard to focus on anything else, including work.
If your oral health is suffering, you may also tend to isolate yourself because you’re embarrassed by the way your teeth look or how your breath smells.
Also, if you have to undergo major dental procedures, you’ll need to take time away from your job. Some procedures such as crowns and root canals can take multiple sessions before they are fixed. Making your dental health a priority will effectively help you in other areas of your life.
What are the Common Mistakes Made in Oral Hygiene?
If you want to prevent unnecessary dental procedures, start by avoiding these six very common dental mistakes today.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Even if you brush your teeth the recommended two times a day, you may not be brushing them long enough. The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes each time. This will help get rid of all the plaque that was formed overnight or throughout the day.
Not Cleaning Your Tongue
Cleaning your tongue is just as important as brushing and flossing. Your tongue can collect bacteria while you eat, drink, and breathe.
Some of these bacteria can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum infections. It’s important to tongue scrape after you brush and floss to prevent more bacteria from building up.
Waiting Too Long To Throw Out Your Toothbrush
Brushing with an old toothbrush is just as bad as not brushing at all. If you went to wash dirty dishes with a dirty sponge, the dishes would just stay dirty. It’s the same for your teeth!
Notice the brushes on your toothbrush and toss them out when they fray. You should change your brush every three to four months.
Not Flossing
Flossing is the best way to get out bacteria and food that is stuck in between your teeth and gums. Flossing will help prevent all kinds of gum disease including periodontitis, a serious gum disease that affects your bones and tissue.
Flossing at least once a day will help prevent bad oral health.
Brushing Too Aggressively
Applying too much pressure when you brush your teeth may slowly erode your enamel and cause your gums to recede. Once this happens, your gums will not be able to repair themselves after this significant damage.
Not Going to Regular Check-ups
Going to the dentist for a cleaning every six months will help prevent any major issues in your dental care. Cleanings are usually quicker appointments and are done by hygienists. Think of it as getting your teeth detailed every six months to get out the dirt you were unable to get out with your normal dental routine.
Once you finish your cleaning, you’ll be brought in to see the dentist and go over any issues they may see. If you have questions to ask your dentist, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
How to Deal with Dentist Anxiety?
Dentist anxiety is a real issue that many adults face. In order to overcome your anxiety, it’s important to educate yourself on oral health. Ask questions to your dentist and research how you can start taking care of your oral health today.
For more information on oral health and dentist anxiety, visit our blog today!