How to manage dental anxiety

What is dental anxiety/dentophobia?

Dental anxiety refers to the fear or apprehension that some individuals experience when faced with the prospect of going to the dentist or receiving dental care. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild nervousness to severe phobia. People with dental anxiety may avoid or delay dental appointments, which can lead to oral health problems if not addressed.

What causes dental anxiety/dentophobia?

Several factors can contribute to dental anxiety, including:

1. Fear of Pain: Many people associate dental procedures with pain, and the fear of experiencing discomfort during treatment can contribute to anxiety.

2. Fear of Needles: Some individuals are afraid of needles and injections commonly used in dental procedures.

3. Feeling of Helplessness or Loss of Control: The reclined position in the dental chair and the inability to see what the dentist is doing can lead to a sense of vulnerability and loss of control.

4. Previous Negative Experiences: Past traumatic experiences or negative encounters at the dentist can contribute to anxiety in subsequent visits.

5. Sensitive Gag Reflex: Individuals with a sensitive gag reflex may find certain dental procedures uncomfortable, contributing to anxiety.

6. Embarrassment or Self-Consciousness: Concerns about the appearance of one's teeth, bad breath, or the fear of being judged can contribute to dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety is common, and it's important for individuals who experience it to communicate their concerns with their dentist. Dentists are trained to work with anxious patients and can take steps to help manage anxiety, such as explaining procedures, using numbing agents effectively, and providing a comfortable and supportive environment. In some cases, dentists may also offer sedation options to help patients relax during treatment.

If dental anxiety is severe, individuals may consider seeking support from mental health professionals who specialize in anxiety or phobia management. It's crucial to address dental anxiety to ensure that individuals receive the necessary dental care for maintaining good oral health.

How do I care for my teeth despite dental anxiety/dentophobia?

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we specialise in handling severely anxious patients, offering options such as penthrox. known as a green whistle to use prior to and during appointments.

We provide a judgement-free space where our priority is improving your relationship with oral healthcare and building confidence in your smile. To book an appointment, give us a call at 02 9558 8988 or email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au today

Teeth Whitening For The Perfect Smile

Why does my teeth turn yellow?

Teeth can turn yellow for several reasons, and it's often a result of a combination of factors. Here are some common reasons why teeth may become discolored:

1. Staining from food and beverages: Consuming certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and certain spices, can stain the enamel of your teeth over time.

2. Tobacco use: Smoking or using other forms of tobacco can lead to yellowing of teeth. Nicotine and tar, present in tobacco products, can contribute to discoloration.

3. Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, which can cause them to appear yellow. Good oral hygiene practices help prevent this.

4. Aging: As people age, the enamel on their teeth naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. This can make teeth look more yellow over time.

5. Genetics: Some people may have naturally thicker or more translucent enamel, which can affect the appearance of their teeth. Genetics can play a role in tooth color.

6. Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can cause tooth discoloration when taken during tooth development in childhood.

7. Dental trauma: Injury to the teeth can cause them to darken or turn yellow, especially if the trauma affects the blood supply to the tooth.

8. Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development, usually in childhood, can lead to fluorosis, causing discoloration and pitting of the enamel.

9. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as certain metabolic disorders or jaundice, can affect tooth color.

10. Poor diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, particularly calcium, can contribute to tooth discoloration.

What does whitening do to my teeth?

Tooth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the color of your teeth. The process involves the use of bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down and remove stains on the tooth enamel. Here's what tooth whitening does to your teeth:

1. Removes Stains: Tooth whitening primarily targets extrinsic stains on the enamel surface. These stains can result from the consumption of pigmented food and drinks, smoking, or other external factors. The bleaching agents penetrate the enamel and break down the molecules responsible for staining, making the teeth appear whiter.

2. Lightens Intrinsic Stains: In addition to extrinsic stains, tooth whitening can also have some effect on intrinsic stains, which are stains that occur within the tooth structure. However, the effectiveness of whitening on intrinsic stains may vary, and severe intrinsic discoloration may require other cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers.

3. Brightens the Overall Appearance: Tooth whitening can enhance the overall brightness of your smile by improving the shade of your teeth. It is a non-invasive way to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

It's important to note that tooth whitening procedures have some limitations and may not be suitable for everyone. For instance:

• Not Effective on Restorations: Whitening agents typically do not work on dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or fillings. If you have such restorations, they may need to be replaced to match the newly whitened natural teeth.

• Temporary Results: The effects of tooth whitening are not permanent, and the teeth may gradually re-stain over time, especially if you continue to consume staining substances.

• Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity during or after the whitening process. This is usually temporary and can be managed with desensitizing toothpaste or other strategies.

• Gum Irritation: Whitening agents can irritate the gums, so it's important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist and use any recommended protective measures.

Before undergoing any tooth whitening procedure, it's advisable to consult with a dentist. They can assess your oral health, determine the cause of discoloration, and recommend the most appropriate whitening method for your specific situation. Additionally, professional supervision helps ensure safety and effectiveness in achieving the desired results.

How can I whiten my teeth ?

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, our experts offer in-chair whitening treatment as well as take-home whitening kits for your convenience. Book an appointment today to see if you’re suitable for whitening treatment! Call us at 02 9558 8988 or email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au today

I have bad breath, what do I do?

What is bad breath?

Bad breath is an oral health problem that is typically caused by bacteria in the mouth.

How do I get rid of bad breath?

Causes of Bad Breath

• Poor oral health care - Without correct and regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental cleans, food remains in the mouth and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Food that collects on the teeth, gums, and tongue may rot and cause an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth.

• Gum disease - bacteria and plaque build-up around the gumline can cause inflammation and exacerbation of gum disease

• Smoking - tobacco products allow host for bacteria and also puts a higher risk for gum disease, bad breath and loss of taste

• Underlying health conditions

How do I get rid of bad breath?

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.

• Visit your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleans to find problems such as gum disease and infections

• Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue making it very important to clean the tongue.

• If you use dentures, remove them at night and clean them before putting them back in.

• If you smoke, quit. This will improve your breath and health.

I want to get a check-up and clean done

Great! At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we can provide these services for you, especially for patients with fear of pain or anxiety.

Call 02 9558 8988 or email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to make a booking today!