Overcoming Your Dental Anxiety

Do you fear going to the dentist? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety is an extremely common condition to experience—and is a serious situation.

Signs of dental anxiety

Those who fear going to the dentist tend to avoid dental visits at all costs. In some cases, patients who suffer from dental phobia may only go when forced to or while experiencing extreme pain.

If you commonly experience any of the following, you might have a dental phobia.

Feeling nervous before/during your appointment
Trouble sleeping the night before
Physical illness when visiting your dentist

Dental phobias can be caused by:

Fear of needles and injections
Fear of experiencing physical pain
Loss of personal space and/or control
A negative past experience

Coping with dental anxiety

The first step in addressing your fears is to identify that you have a phobia. The next most important measure you can take is to discuss your anxieties with your dentist. Once we are aware of your fear, we will take every necessary step to help you feel more comfortable and less anxious about your visits.

Our approach to individualized care includes a treatment plan unique to your needs without skimping on exceptional dental care. We will walk you through each step of your appointment to help you prepare for what to expect.

Caring for your dental health

At Reflection Ridge Dental, our goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to each of our patients. If you are experiencing dental anxiety, talk with our dental team about your reservations and how we can help ease your tensions. We provide an array of dental services to residents in the Wichita area, including cosmetic dentistry, restorations, laser decay removal, and more.

Call our office at (316) 721-2024 to schedule a new patient consultation today. We look forward to meeting you!

How to Perfect Your Flossing Routine

Flossing is an important habit to incorporate into your everyday oral hygiene routine. Moreover, flossing keeps your gums and teeth clear of debris and bacteria. If flossing isn’t part of your everyday dental routine, it can lead to the development of plaque and other dental issues and diseases.

As a general rule of thumb, the American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once per day and brushing twice per day. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine is not only good for your teeth, gums, and oral health, but also for your overall health.

3 steps to achieve proper flossing

First, wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers, leaving a couple inches of floss to work with.
Second, hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers, sliding it between your teeth gently.
Lastly, curve the floss around each tooth and be sure to reach your gum line.

What type of floss should I use?

Nylon or multifilament floss – this type of floss is available waxed or unwaxed in a variety of flavors. It can be prone to shredding or tearing between tight teeth.
Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or monofilament floss – this material is more expensive but less likely to shred, making it easy to slide between the teeth.
Floss picks and water flossing is also available if traditional floss is difficult to use.

Excellent oral hygiene goes beyond brushing your teeth twice a day. Additionally, it involves flossing properly to reduce the likelihood of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Book your next appointment with our team

Talk with your dentist about your dental hygiene routine and oral care products that are most effective for you. At Reflection Ridge Dental, we personalize appointments based on each patient’s needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Oral Care for Sensitive Teeth

Do you suffer from tooth sensitivities? You’re not alone. One in eight adults are living with sensitive teeth. Tooth pain can be an early warning sign of more significant dental health problems. As a result, if your dental issues are not addressed and treated properly, your oral health may decline.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Tooth pain and sensitivity happens due to enamel wearing away. Moreover, when the enamel is worn down, a tooth’s dentine is exposed. When there is little to no enamel left to protect your teeth, you may experience sensitivity.

Culprits of tooth sensitivity include dental erosion, gum disease or recession, at-home tooth whitening kits, teeth grinding, and cracked or broken teeth.

What are the symptoms of tooth sensitivity?

Symptoms of sensitive teeth can range from minor pain to severe discomfort. Tooth sensitivity is often triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. If left untreated, you could experience more serious oral health problems later in life.

How can I protect my teeth?

As always, you should consult with your dentist if you’re experiencing tooth pain, aches, or general sensitivity. To protect your teeth at home, we suggest brushing twice a day with a dentist-approved toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. In addition, you should avoid consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks in excess as these can cause oral health issues and rigorous dental work.

Seek dental advice

If you continue to experience tooth pain and sensitivity, we strongly recommend you to schedule an appointment with your dentist for specialized care for sensitive teeth. There are a variety of culprits that may cause your tooth sensitivity. However, our dental team is equipped to identify, diagnose, and treat you with proper care. Learn more about our team of knowledgeable dentists and hygienists.

Laser Decay Removal for Cavities

With advances in dental technology, treating cavities has become easier with laser decay removal treatment. Lasers are a desirable alternative to repairing and maintaining your teeth.

Unfortunately, cavities are sometimes unpreventable no matter how disciplined you are with your oral hygiene routine. However, cavities shouldn’t be ignored and need to be treated as soon as possible.

How are cavities detected?

Generally, a cavity can be detected at your twice-yearly dental checkup. Your dentist will examine your mouth for decay and other dental issues. Additionally, you may notice a cavity is present if you have tooth pain, aches, or sensitive spots.

Therefore, we emphasize the importance of visiting your dentist twice a year for early detection of cavities and ways to prevent decay from developing further.

What is Laser Decay Removal?

Laser decay removal offers an innovative approach to treating cavities. This method is a much faster, more comfortable, and less painful way to treat decay.

Cavities are traditionally treated with fillings, crowns, or root canals. This can leave patients feeling anxiety, pain, and discomfort. However, with a laser, there are no shots or drills, which is usually the worst part about treating a cavity.

Dental lasers work to vaporize plaque, decayed tooth matter, bacteria, and other buildup. Additionally, lasers reduce the need for painkillers and general anesthesia. Further, the non-invasive nature of a dental laser can help patients feel more comfortable during their procedure.

How can I prevent decay from developing?

There are a variety of preventative measures you can take to preserve your oral health and reduce the likelihood of developing tooth decay.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Avoid frequent snacking, especially sugary treats.
Visit your dentist twice a year for regular examinations.

If you haven’t visited your dentist within the last six months, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. At Reflection Ridge Dental, we offer a loyalty program for patients without dental insurance. Contact us today to learn more.