Scared of Dentists? How to Avoid a Visit

If you’re like most people, dentists probably rank at the very top of your worst fears list. The thought of drills, scrapers, and needles poking at your sensitive gums is enough to make some avoid dental trips for their entire lives. While you should definitely not hide from them forever, there are some ways you can help promote good oral health and decrease visits from those not-so-welcome dentists. Proper dental hygiene should start early and continue throughout adulthood to ensure you won’t receive any nasty surprises during your regular checkups. Here are some easy ways to prevent gum disease and other common dental disasters.

Brush Everyday - Okay, you’ve probably heard this into your head over and over again. You simply must brush your teeth every day, preferably two to three times. But it isn’t only about frequency and regularity, you also need to brush using the proper toothbrush and technique. There are some electric toothbrushes that are available that are generally considered superior than the traditional methods by many dentists. However, if you can’t afford one, a regular toothbrush will work wonders if you use the “sweep and roll” technique to help remove particles and plaque. Ensure you brush around all teeth thoroughly and don’t forget a quick tongue brush as well! Brushing your tongue helps remove bacteria that causes bad breath.

Flossing - If you’re like most people, you’ve probably bought floss and use it maybe one every few months when your hit with a sudden pang of guilt from dentists on the television. Ideally, flossing should be performed once a day to help you remove sticky bits of food and plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. Take a long string of floss and wrap the ends around your fingers to secure. Then gently pull the floss between each tooth and rub around them, ensuring you are hitting all of the hard to reach spots. You should notice a bit of plaque or other particles loosening. After flossing it is important to rinse your mouth out with water or an oral cleanser to remove all of the debris you have dislodged.

Gum Massage - Your gums need attention too! You should be using a soft bristle brush to massage and stimulate your gums regularly. This can help prevent gum disease and receding gums.

Diet - Dentists recommend a balanced diet to ensure healthy teeth. Foods that are especially vital to oral health include crunchy vegetables and fruits, like apples and carrots, calcium-rich milk products, green tea which may be able to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. These foods not only provide essential nutrients for good tooth health, but can even help keep your teeth clean by removing plaque. Remember the phrase an apple a day? More and more dentists agree that food is a great way to improve your oral hygiene. It’s equally important to avoid certain foods that are packed with sugar, carbohydrates, or high acid levels such as soft drinks, candy, and snack foods like potato chips.