Dental Thoughts

Here I'll be talking about the fun facts about Teeth and Dentists. You won't regret staying with us.

[dental-thoughts]

Why am I Scared of The Dentist?

Does the thought of your next visit to the dentist put beads of sweat on your forehead? Dental fear is a widespread phenomenon that can be traced back to traumatic dental experiences in childhood or a negative parental approach to teeth. But what exactly is it, a dental phobia? And what really helps against it? We at the Stefanos Baraliakos dental practice will provide you with comprehensive information on the subject and give you tips on how you can look forward to your next visit to the dentist in a more relaxed manner.

HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A DENTAL PHOBIA?

Fear warns us of threatening situations. A trip to the dentist is hardly a life-threatening emergency. Nevertheless, many people show extreme signs of fear that go beyond what is healthy in dealing with dentists. In affected patients, this warning mechanism kicks in even before they even enter the treatment room. This manifests itself, for example, in sweats, palpitations, nausea or increased bowel movements. If an anxious patient also has to spend a long time in the waiting room of the practice, the symptoms can intensify, although the objective “danger” remains unchanged.

WHERE DOES THE FEAR COME FROM?

As already mentioned, fear for a dentist is often based on experiences in childhood. But not always! It can be enough to have observed the treatment of the dentist by other people or one's own parents. In this way, the fear is practically inherited. Often anxious patients delay visiting the dentist until extreme pain occurs, the gums bleed or even teeth fall out. The fear is not directed directly against the dentist, but rather has moved into the collective consciousness of the patient, who is now looking for ways out of not having to go to the practice - no matter which one.

HOW ARE ANXIOUS PATIENTS TREATED?

As with any phobia, fear of the dentist also applies: It will not go away on its own! On the contrary: It is important to talk to them and get help. In our practice, we offer anxious patients various methods to enable a relaxed visit to the dentist.

TREATMENT UNDER LOCAL OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA

If desired, anxious patients can be treated under local anesthesia. A spray is applied to the mucous membrane and gums to prevent pain when the anesthetic syringe is inserted. General anesthesia is also possible in an emergency. However, you should clarify this treatment method with the treating dentist beforehand, as general anesthesia is not suitable for all patients.

TREATMENT UNDER ANALGOSEDATION

During this treatment, the patient is put into a twilight sleep. The dentist administers a cocktail of sedatives and painkillers as well as psychotropic drugs. In contrast to general anesthesia, the patient can continue to breathe independently and react to external stimuli under analgesia sedation.

TREATMENT UNDER NITROUS OXIDE

Treatment of the patient with nitrous oxide is even less pronounced. This significantly reduces the feeling of fear, but the patient remains conscious and can follow the dentist's instructions.

We are happy to take enough time before the treatment to go through all the steps with you in a personal conversation and to clarify any open questions. We look forward to providing you with a pleasant and stress-free visit to our practice.

[dental-thoughts]

Why Teeth Become Sensitive and What to do about it?

What is tooth sensitivity:

Doctors call this type of sharp pain hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity) of the teeth. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the tooth enamel that becomes sensitive, but the looser layer under it - dentin.

Dentin is literally riddled with the finest microtubes in which nerve endings run. As long as these microtubes are closed, clogged with enamel, there is no discomfort. But if the enamel is seriously thinned or chips appear on it, the nerve endings are exposed. Any irritant causes severe pain.

This symptom should be taken seriously. Otherwise, pretty soon you can find yourself with rapidly developing caries. In addition, tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of serious health problems.

Why teeth become sensitive:

Caries, periodontal disease , chips on the tooth enamel - these reasons are on the surface, everything is clear with them. However, it happens that hyperesthesia occurs with absolutely intact, strong, well-groomed teeth . Why? There are many options.

You use mouthwash too often

Of course, fresh breath is important. But, by overusing rinsing, you run the risk of thinning tooth enamel. The fact is that such hygiene products often contain acids . If you cannot live without rinsing, ask your dentist to choose the most neutral product for you.

You love treats with tangible sourness

No, it's not even about eating lemons with limes. It is often enough to be a lover of lemonade, tangerines, citrus juices, candies and other seemingly harmless delicacies that contain a dose of the acids already mentioned above.

The thickness of the tooth enamel and the sensitivity of nerve endings are individual factors. And if you are personally unlucky to have armor on your teeth and nerves, hyperesthesia may come to you earlier than you think.

You have whitened your teeth

This procedure has a wide range of contraindications , and it should only be performed by a truly experienced physician. But often in pursuit of a white-toothed smile, these theses are neglected. The consequences, alas, are quite painful.

You have a wrong bite

In childhood and adolescence, this factor may not cause problems. But with age, malocclusion becomes the cause of accelerated abrasion of the teeth. The enamel is getting thinner, and hyperesthesia is becoming more and more likely. Therefore, the bite should be corrected as soon as possible.

You have certain bad habits

For example, biting your nails or gritting your teeth. All this leads to the formation of microcracks on the enamel, which open access to dentin for various irritants.

You have gum problems

With age, not only the teeth wear out, but also the gums : they recede from the teeth, exposing their roots. The roots do not have a strong enamel layer, so they are much more sensitive than the outer part of the teeth. Also, gums can recede due to tartar or smoking.

You have serious health problems

If more than one tooth demonstrates increased sensitivity, but several at once, this may be a sign of diabetes .

Some formulations for sensitive teeth can reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it is important to exclude endocrine diseases before starting treatment.

Also, hyperesthesia is a common symptom of diseases such as reflux esophagitis , accompanied by heartburn and acid belching, or bulimia.

How to reduce tooth sensitivity:

If hypersensitivity in your case has already outgrown the stage "rarely, rarely, but it happens" and has caused regular discomfort, do not rely on grandmother's recipes. Neither taking crushed eggshells nor rinsing your mouth with saline will restore damaged enamel.

Rinsing your mouth with warm milk or chamomile decoction can reduce pain by covering microcracks on the enamel with a film. But this protection will last until the first brushing of your teeth or drinking water.

So don't waste your time and go to the dentist. This specialist is qualified to identify or rule out the underlying causes of hyperesthesia. Your dentist will recommend one or more of the following treatments, depending on the results of your examination.

Cover your teeth with dental varnish:

The varnish will close microcracks in the enamel and voids in the dentinal tubules, blocking the access of irritants to the nerve endings. Such varnishes are made on the basis of fluorides that strengthen the tooth enamel, and the procedure is called fluoridation.

Apply sealants and fillers:

These are preparations that are denser than varnish. They are used to cover open tooth roots.

Use special dental pads:

They will help if you grind your teeth at night. The dentist will make a model of your teeth (a kind of "false jaw") that you can wear at night. This will relieve pressure on the enamel and ultimately reduce sensitivity.

Switch to toothpaste for sensitive teeth:

Such products contain special substances that not only strengthen the tooth enamel, but also reduce the sensitivity of dentin. The dentist will advise you which brand of paste to prefer. By the way, pay attention to desensitizing toothpastes - they can be used without a brush.

And, of course, be gentle with your teeth. Do not abuse hard brushes, vigorous cleaning and whitening pastes: they contain abrasive elements that abrade such an important enamel.

[dental-thoughts]

Annoying but useful: Getting used to dentures takes time

Whether it’s your business or something else every beginning is difficult. Likewise getting used to dentures is harder too. Even later on, people hardly enjoy wearing their dentures. But: With a few tips that I’ll be sharing today, you can get along better with dentures.

Usually teeth get worse over the years. Sometimes your own set of teeth get damaged and those affected ones need dentures. The so-called full denture is hard to find nowdays. "Today one of eight between the ages of 65 and 74 is toothless. Ten years ago it was one of four," says Prof. Dietmar Oesterreich, Vice President of the German Dental Association. Even if it affects fewer people overall, the third parties are usually not a reason to be happy. But they can get along well with a few tips.

The first time: Anyone who has just received their prosthesis should wear it regularly and be shown how to use it, such as inserting and removing it. "At the beginning it is best to practice inserting the prosthesis in front of the mirror," recommends Oesterreich. "If you make a mistake, you can bite your tongue or cheek." The prosthesis should not loosen when speaking or chewing. This requires a phase of practice and acclimatization, which is why you shouldn't overstrain yourself at the beginning: "Rather proceed step by step and maybe not eat an apple straight away," advises Austria.

Have patience: You don't get used to a full denture overnight. "As a rule, you have to deal with it for three months," says Oesterreich. For some it goes faster, and also for some it takes half a year. It is important that you wear the prosthesis regularly - this is the easiest way to get used to it. You can also practice speaking, for example by reading the newspaper to yourself.

Don't be hesitant: If you get pressure points from the prosthesis or have problems chewing, patience is not the best remedy - on the contrary. Then you should definitely go to the dentist, says Oesterreich. The prosthesis may then be adjusted again. Most of the time, the dentist can help immediately and you can wear the prosthesis again straight away.

Maintain regular care: Dentures need just as much care as real teeth - it should be twice a day. "Otherwise bacteria and leftover food will settle in," says Dirk Kropp from the proDente initiative. Even if you no longer have any real teeth, you should go to the dentist every six months for a check-up, says Oesterreich. Among other things, to keep an eye on the oral mucosa under the prosthesis and to react to possible changes in the jaw. These checks are also a cancer check-up, says Oesterreich.

Cleaning the prosthesis: The prosthesis is cleaned either with a normal toothbrush or with a special prosthesis brush. "Some of them are shaped differently, so you can get to difficult-to-clean areas," explains Kropp. The bristles are also harder. As a cleaning agent, normal toothpaste is comparatively expensive and because of the cleaning material it contains, it is not so suitable as it is easy to scratch the prosthesis. Instead, you can use lukewarm water and liquid soap, recommends Kropp. Afterwards you should of course rinse the dentures well. Descalers, vinegar or abrasives are not suitable for cleaning. In addition, it makes sense to massage the oral mucosa with a soft toothbrush, says Oesterreich. This removes bacteria deposits.

Intensive cleaning with tabs: "Tabs do not replace normal cleaning," says Kropp. Basically, denture cleaning tablets are useful: "They remove stubborn evidence with tea or coffee, for example," says Oesterreich. But you shouldn't use them every day, rather once or twice a week. You should adhere to the instructions for use: The dentures should not lie in the cleaning agent for longer than stated there, as this can damage the prosthesis.

Adhesive cream: A well-fitting prosthesis actually lasts even without help, says Kropp. Nonetheless, you can also use adhesive cream. "It helps a lot" shouldn't be the motto here. "Four to five pea-sized points are enough once or twice a day," says Oesterreich. After insertion, the prosthesis should be pressed firmly into place briefly - this way it will hold better.

In society: "The mouth is highly taboo," says Christine Sowinski from the Kuratorium Deutsche Altershilfe (KDA). For example, if you can't eat everything at a family celebration because of your prosthesis, you should formulate it carefully - a simple "This is not for me" is enough. It is best to check regularly in the bathroom whether everything is okay with your teeth. It also makes sense to take a pocket mirror with you. Under no circumstances should one remove leftovers from the prosthesis in company or even take the teeth out of the mouth: "This is uncomfortable for others." In principle, however, Sowinski also says: "It is worthwhile to mess around with the denture. It enables you to chew better and articulate yourself better." dpa / AZ