Dental Anxiety

The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist every six months, as it is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, fear keeps between nine and 20 percent of Americans from seeing their dentist regularly.

If you put off going to the dentist, find yourself breaking out in a cold sweat when six month check-up rolls around, have trouble sleeping the night before a dental exam, or feel physically ill and uneasy at the thought of going to an appointment, you may be suffering from dental anxiety.

It’s important to recognize that most people who have dental anxiety do have a legitimate reason for their fear. One of the most common reasons patients are afraid of the dentist is because of a bad experience as a child. They may have experienced a painful treatment, or had a dentist who embarrassed or made them uncomfortable by disregarding their fears. Another prevalent cause of anxiety is a simple fear of the drill or shots. Many become anxious at the perceived loss of control or loss of personal space during a dental appointment. Some patients are embarrassed or otherwise concerned about the appearance of their teeth, and this makes them uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that your dentist is there to help, and is focused on keeping your smile healthy and bright.

Open communication is one of the best ways to relieve dental anxiety. Prior to your dental appointment, have a conversation with your dental care staff to address any fears or worries you may be experiencing and have them explain to you what your procedure involves. You can also try taking advantage of your dentist’s distraction amenities by listening to music or watching a movie. Ask if the dentist uses any innovative tools or techniques designed for patient comfort or offers sedation dentistry.

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a frightening experience. By identifying what has caused your fears and working with your dental care staff to help alleviate worries, you can be on your way to overcoming your dental anxiety by your next appointment. Remember that visiting the dentist every six months is essential to your oral health, so don’t let your fears get in the way of your beautiful smile.  

Effects of Sugary Soda on Teeth

Have you ever stopped to study the label of a soda bottle to find out how much sugar the product contains? In reality, most people don’t. The scary thing is that sugar is not only contributing to cavities; according to a 2009 medical study the consumption of sugary sweetened soda may be the single largest driver of the obesity epidemic.

Artistic Dental's objective is to educate our patients so that they have the knowledge to make better choices that positively impacts their oral and overall health.
Cavities are caused by plaque; a sticky substance on the teeth that is formed from bacteria in the mouth. When you eat or drink sugary products plaque turns the sugar into acids that erode the teeth’s enamel, and overtime this can lead to cavities.

If you can’t live without your soda fix, remember moderation is key.

These 5 tips will aid in fighting tooth decay and erosion:

1. Drink through a straw to reduce the exposure of sugar and acid to the teeth. 
2. Drink plenty of fluoridated water after consuming a sugary beverage. This will rinse out the mouth and dilute the sugars. 
3. Brush using fluoride toothpaste, but wait at least an hour after drinking a soft drink to allow the enamel of the teeth to harden again. 
4. Don’t sip soda over a long period of time. This exposes the teeth to sugar and acid attacks for longer. The average acid attack on the teeth can last up to twenty minutes. 
5. Avoid drinking sugary beverages before bedtime as the liquid swims in the mouth coating the teeth with acid and sugar.  

There are many alternatives out there to curb your soda cravings that are carbonated and cola flavored. Remember to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups to decrease the risks of decay.

The Perils of Plaque

What is Plaque

When food and saliva combine in the mouth they create a soft deposit called plaque, a sticky, colorless film that is constantly coating the teeth. Plaque contains millions of bacteria, and when you consume foods and drinks that have sugars and starches the bacteria uses it to create acids that attack the enamel surrounding the teeth. Because plaque is so sticky, these acids can stay on the teeth for long periods of time if you do not floss and brush frequently. Over time, allowing plaque to build up on the teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis
 

Gingivitis is a swelling of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque. This mild form of gum disease can irritate the gums, causing bleeding, soreness and inflammation. When the gums become inflamed, they separate from the tooth, causing a space or a “pocket” between the tooth and gum. Gingivitis can usually be treated by flossing and brushing to remove the plaque that has formed on the teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it will invade the pockets, allowing bacterial toxins to irritate the area and cause chronic inflammation, called periodontitis. Periodontitis can destroy the soft tissue and gums surrounding the teeth, and if left untreated can lead to losing your teeth.

Health Risks Related to Gum Disease

Gum disease can have negative effects on your overall health, not just your oral health. New research and studies are being conducted to examine the possible links between advanced periodontitis and other health complications including heart disease, stroke, premature births, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

Preventing Plaque

It’s simple to avoid gum disease by having good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and to floss at least once a day. An even better way to stop plaque from accumulating is to brush after every meal or snack consumed throughout the day. It is also important to visit your dental hygienist every six month.

Artistic Dental Beams into the 21st Century with the Latest Laser Technology

We’ve all heard how laser technology can reverse the signs of aging and erase fine lines and wrinkles, right? Now there is a laser that completely changes how dentists can treat cavities; enter Solea from Convergent Dental.

Artistic Dental is proud to announce that we are the first in Phoenix to have the new technology, and more importantly it is needle and drill-free. The tool allows us to perform routine procedures for filling cavities and shaving teeth to be fitted for crowns.

Convergent Dental states that Solea was designed to mimic the look and feel of the drill while eliminating the discomfort that is associated with dental drilling. We’re are committed to delivering anxiety free dentistry and adding the Solea laser equipment at our practice is another helps us offer the latest in care and treatment to our patients.

The rapid pulses of the laser allows us to skip anesthesia in up to 96 percent of cases. The innovative device gives dentists increased control through its variable speed foot pedal. In turn, this saves time and makes for a natural transition from the drill.

Solea is the first isotopic CO2 laser tool ever cleared by the FDA for hard and soft tissue ablation. The laser not only carefully cuts the tooth to remove decay and make way for the filling, it also provides a numbing effect. The tool is fast and offers the precision that traditional measures do not match.

We are excited to offer this service to our patients. We pride ourselves on bringing the latest in dentistry to Artistic Dental and creating a positive experience caring for our patients.

The new equipment arrived in early September. After completing our training, we began treating patients in October. We are currently using the Solea for patients in need of fillings. We have also used it in cases where a patient had a lesion on their tongue. Patients are thrilled to be able to skip the shot and to go home without the numb feeling typically experienced after leaving the dentist.
Charges for the service are the same as traditional fillings and will be covered under insurance based on an individual’s policy coverage.

Feel free to contact our office to learn more about all the technologies we use at Artistic Dental.

Enjoy Your Candy Without the Cavities

It’s a common misconception that sugar causes cavities, but that’s only partially true. Cavities are actually caused by plaque, a sticky substance on the teeth that is created by a form of bacteria in the mouth. When you eat sugary foods, plaque turns the sugar into acids that erode the teeth’s enamel. This attack on the teeth can last for up to twenty minutes! If your children aren’t taught the proper ways to prevent these attacks, they can lead to cavities over time.

After enjoying all of the Halloween festivities this October your kids are bound to have loads of sugary, plaque-feeding treats on their hands. Don’t be tricked into thinking that limiting their candy intake is enough – the best way to fight cavities is to be mindful of when your kids are eating their treats and making sure that they are engaging in preventive measures that will decrease the risk of tooth decay.

Practice these simple habits to help your children enjoy their Halloween candy while still preventing cavities:

×          Limit chewy and sticky treats: Separate your child’s candy and pull out those that are sticky or gooey. These treats should be eaten less often, as candies that require a lot of chewing or that will get stuck between your child’s teeth extend the amount of time that the teeth are exposed to sugar. Solid chocolates are a better alternative, as these can be eaten quickly and will not leave as much sugar behind in the mouth.  

×          Only allow your kids to pick out a treat after mealtime: After eating a meal, there is a lot of saliva left in the mouth. This saliva can help to wash away some of the sugar that is sitting on the teeth. You can also serve your child a glass of water with their candy to wash away even more sugar.

×          Give your child a fun new toothbrush in their Halloween goodie bag: Getting your children to brush their teeth every time they eat candy can be a challenge. Consider purchasing the kids a new colorfully designed toothbrush for Halloween to help make brushing fun. Some toothbrushes are musical.

Halloween is a great time to encourage good oral hygiene behavior, but don’t let it end there! Adopting these dental care practices will benefit your children all year long. It’s important to remember that cavity prevention is more about reducing the time that teeth are exposed to sugar than it is about reducing the amount of sugar consumed. With these easy tricks your children can enjoy their treats without suffering the negative consequences of tooth decay.