What Causes Dental Anxiety?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Dental anxiety is a phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide. In some people, dental anxiety can be so severe that they avoid visiting the dentist their whole lives. Ironically, this makes dental health a critical issue and dental treatments more intense when they finally do visit the dentist. So, what’s at the bottom of dental anxiety? The core reasons vary among individuals, but here are some common reasons that people cite for dental anxiety:

Past Dental Trauma

A past dental trauma can lead to future dental anxiety. If a person visited a dentist in the past who was insensitive to the patient’s experience, did treatment without informing the patient of what was happening, or was less than proficient, these can all lead to having an ingrained fear of visiting the dentist.

Fear of Pain

Many people have a fear of pain or low pain thresholds. Even though there have been many advancements in dental techniques, including sedation dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, many patients still avoid going to the dentist out of fear. This underlying fear is made worse by myths and distortions, often by the media, which play on people’s fears. In reality, if you explain to your dentist that you have anxiety, they will be sensitive to your needs and help you to feel more relaxed.

Potential For Embarrassment

For many people, dental anxiety stems from feeling embarrassed about the condition of their oral health. If a person has avoided the dentist for many years, they’ll likely have less optimal oral health. In a vicious circle, they avoid the dentist, worsening the condition. You should know that professional dentists don’t judge a person by their oral health. The idea is to save as many original teeth as possible and get a person back to smiling confidently.

Generalized Anxiety

Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder can further intensify dental anxiety. People with these conditions might have heightened anxiety levels, making dental appointments more challenging.

At Mandarin Dentistry, we hope that dental anxiety won’t keep you from visiting the dentist in Jacksonville, FL. We offer sedation dentistry and are eager to make you feel as comfortable, welcome, and relaxed as possible. We treat each patient with respect and dignity. Contact us today to book your appointment!

How Many Times a Year Do I Need to See the Dentist

/0 Comments/in , /by

If you are shopping for a new dentist as an adult or for your child, you might wonder how often you need to visit. A dentist is the person to go to for a dental cleaning and oral checkup.

You may need to visit your local Jacksonville, FL dentist more often than once or twice a year. Notice these timeframes for when most people visit the dentist.

Top Most Common Times to Visit the Dentist

Most people go to a dentist in an office of general dentistry once or twice a year. Typically, a tooth cleaning and oral exam schedule is every six months.

However, if you are infirm or unable to visit the dentist due to travel for work, you may be able to go to the dentist for a cleaning annually.

If You Have Gum Disease

If you have been diagnosed with a gum disease called gingivitis, you may be scheduled to visit the dentist more often. This oral condition can lead to tooth decay and loss if left untreated.

Therefore, it is recommended that patients with gum disease go to the dentist every four months for periodontal disease treatment. This treatment includes gum scaling and more extensive cleaning, such as with a Waterpik, to remove bacteria that eat away at gum tissue.

If You Have Braces

If you wear braces or have orthodontics, you may be required to go to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on braces and does not do dental cleanings.

While you will be visiting the orthodontist once a month, you still need to maintain your dental cleanings with a general dentist, such as Mandarin Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL.

See Your Jacksonville, FL Dentist Today

Has it been a while since you have been to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL? Contact Mandarin Dentistry at 904-268-5600.

Young man losing a tooth

Lost a Permanent Tooth? Here’s What You Should Know  

/0 Comments/in , /by

Oh no, you’ve lost a permanent tooth! This experience can be a scary one, but it helps to know what to do. Taking fast action can even help save your tooth, if you work closely with your dentist in Jacksonville FL. Here’s what you should know about fixing a lost permanent tooth.

What to Do When You Lose a Permanent Tooth

The first thing you should do when you lose a permanent tooth is to remain calm. Don’t panic! The calmer you are, the easier it will be for you to think clearly to take the next steps.

Find the Tooth and Clean It

Find the tooth, where ever it is on the ground. When you find it, pick it up by the crown (not the root). Rinse the tooth off in sterile saline solution, milk or in your own saliva.

Store the Tooth Properly

Once the tooth has been rinsed, it’s important to store the tooth properly. The best place to store the tooth is in the same hole that it just vacated in your mouth. Insert the tooth back in the hole, root down, then bite down gently on the tooth to keep it in place.

If you’re not able to do this, the second best place for your tooth is in the cheek of your mouth. Put the tooth in the space between your cheek and teeth, and hold it there until you get to the dentist.

Head to the Dentist Right Away

Speed is key when you’ve lost a permanent tooth. Head to the dentist as quickly as possible to get your tooth treated and potentially re-inserted back in your mouth. Call the dentist to let them know you’re on your way.

A Lost Permanent Tooth Is a Dental Emergency

When you lose a permanent tooth, you’re having a dental emergency. You may be able to save the tooth, but only if you visit your emergency dentist in Jacksonville, FL. At Mandarin Dentistry, we help our patients through dental emergencies like this one. If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, call us for help as soon as possible.

 

Home Remedies for Stopping Tooth Pain

/0 Comments/in /by

Sometimes tooth pain occurs when your dentist in Jacksonville, FL is closed. That leaves you scrambling to find ways to ease the pain.

Home Remedies for Stopping Tooth Pain

Here are some home remedies you can use to stop your tooth pain until you can get to the dentist.

  • Cold Compress

Using a cold compress against your face will help reduce inflammation and swelling. It also helps interrupt the pain signals from your tooth to your brain. Simply apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel (so you don’t damage your skin) to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time.

  • Warm Saltwater Rinse

A warm salt water rinse will reduce your tooth pain, reduce inflammation, and clean any infection that might be present. Warm salt water also helps heal oral wounds.

  • Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint has a mild numbing property that helps relieve tooth pain. You can prepare a peppermint tea bag and then put it in the freezer for a few minutes to cool it off before applying it to your face.

  • Acupressure

Some people find relief from their tooth pain in Jacksonville, FL using acupressure. Acupressure causes your body to release pain-relieving endorphins. To implement this method, find a reputable resource on the internet for more information.

  • Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used to treat tooth pain for hundreds of years. Clove oil helps reduce inflammation and causes a numbing effect. It’s also a natural antiseptic, so it will help sterilize the area as well.

  • Thyme Mouthwash

Thyme is a powerful antibacterial and antioxidant. Simply add a few drops of thyme essential oil to some water to create a mouthwash. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of thyme essential oil and a few drops of water to a cotton ball then apply it to the tooth that’s causing you pain.

  • Fresh Garlic

Garlic has medicinal properties. Therefore, it can be used to kill oral bacteria. Take a clove of garlic and crush it until it forms a sticky paste, then apply it to the affected area.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for a dentist in Jacksonville, FL, please Contact Mandarin Dentistry today. We are a full-service dental care office with a warm, comfortable, inviting environment full of amenities to make your visit more enjoyable.

5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist At Your Next Dental Appointment

/0 Comments/in /by

Your next appointment with the dentist in Jacksonville, FL is more than just a chance to get your teeth cleaned. It’s also an opportunity to ask your dentist questions about your dental hygiene. Knowing in advance the questions that you wish to ask can help you make good use of your time with the dentist, and can also help you maintain good oral hygiene habits. Below are five questions to consider for your next appointment.

1. When should I come back?

Many dentists recommend that their patients return every six months for a dental cleaning. Find out if your dentist recommends this schedule for you, or if your dentist would prefer that you return more or less frequently.

2. Are there any conditions I am at risk for?

Your oral health, health history, genetic factors and current medical condition can all affect your dental health. For example, you may be at higher risk for getting periodontal disease if you are currently pregnant, if you have diabetes, smoke cigarettes or if you have underlying immune deficiencies. Talk to your dentist to find out if you’re at risk for any dental conditions, and if so, what you should do about it.

3. What can I do to improve my oral hygiene?

When your dentist cleans your teeth, they may notice that some of your teeth aren’t getting as clean as they should, or that your flossing isn’t as effective as it should be. This is your opportunity to find out from your dentist what you can do to improve your oral hygiene.

4. Is there anything I can do to prevent gum disease?

Your dentist will know what are you’re currently doing to prevent gum disease, and what else you could be doing to protect yourself from this unfortunate condition. Find out from your dentist what else you can do to keep your teeth healthy.

5. How can I keep my teeth whiter?

Your dentist may have many recommendations on ways that you can keep your teeth whiter, including getting teeth whitening in Jacksonville FL. Following your dentist’s recommendations, you could maintain whiter teeth!

Write all your questions down before your next appointment at Mandarin Dentistry. We’ll be happy to answer them for you!