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What Does a Dental Cleaning Entail?

Many people are scared of the dentist. They may have had a bad experience with a dentist in the past, or else they might just think that dentistry hurts. Do not let fear of the unknown keep you from having a dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are common procedures that can help maintain the health of your teeth. They give your dentist a chance to review your teeth, inspect for problems, and keep them clean.

You may hear your dentist or dental hygienist talk about a prophylaxis. That is nothing to worry about. That is just the fancy term for a dental cleaning to remove plaque. Everyone has plaque. It is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If you do not remove plaque it can harden into tartar. Tarter is harder to remove. It can also lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other issues. The point of a dental cleaning is to remove that plaque and tartar.

Tartar Removal

The first part of a dental cleaning is tartar removal. Traditionally, dentists use a scaler to remove tartar. The scalar is a small metal hook on the end of a tool, which the dentist or hygienist uses to scrape tartar. Dentists may also use other methods to remove tartar, such as ultrasonic waves.

Cleaning

Once your dentist has removed the tartar, they thoroughly clean your teeth. They usually use a special rotating brush and a grainy toothpaste-type substance to polish and clean your mouth. They may use a cleaning toothpaste and then a polish or an all-in-one product.

Flossing

Once your teeth are cleaned, they will floss them. Flossing is very important. While flossing, they may instruct you on how to floss your teeth if they notice tartar in between the teeth.

Fluoride

Sometimes your dentist will end a cleaning with a fluoride treatment or sealer. These treatments are designed to help strengthen your teeth. You may get instructions not to eat or drink for 30 minutes or so after those treatments.

Exam

Dental cleanings are often accompanied by exams. During the exam, your dentist checks out the general health of your mouth. Once a year, these exams are accompanied by x-rays, which let your dentist see inside of your teeth to spot tooth decay that is not visible to the naked eye. Based on the exam and cleaning, the dentist may come up with a plan for additional treatment.

What to Consider When Buying a New Toothbrush

Buying a new toothbrush may seem as simple as tossing one into your shopping basket. While any toothbrush is better than no toothbrush, picking the right toothbrush is actually a little more complicated. You want to pick a comfortable toothbrush that you can easily hold and will reliably use. You want one that will remove the most plaque without causing damage to your mouth. To get the right one, you need to consider a few different factors.

Do you want manual or electric?

Most dentists will tell you that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones. People just cannot make as many micromovements as an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and reducing the risk of gingivitis. However, they can be too expensive for some people. Plus, some people simply do not like using them. A manual toothbrush that you will use is a better choice than an electric toothbrush that you will not use. So, consider which one is better for you.

What bristle strength do you want?

You might think that you want the stiffest, hardest bristles to really scrub your teeth. However, those stiff bristles can be really hard on your gums. They can even damage your teeth. Instead, choose soft bristles. A soft bristle brush can thoroughly clean your teeth without causing any damage.

Does the toothbrush have an ADA seal?

The ADA, the American Dental Association, gives seals of approval to products that meet their standards. These items may be more expensive than their competitors. However, you can rely on their efficacy and quality.

Are you a big mouth?

You might think bigger is better, but you actually want the head of the brush to match the size of your mouth. If you cannot get at all sides of all of your teeth, you may need a smaller brush. You should also consider the shape of the brush. Toothbrushes come in tapered, round, and rectangle shapes. None of them are necessarily better than the others. You just want one that works well in your mouth.

How does it feel to hold it?

Is the grip comfortable? Thicker handles are better for people with grip or mobility issues, while smaller handles may be better for smaller hands. You want a toothbrush that you can hold and move comfortably.

Still not sure? Ask us. We can help you pick the right toothbrush for your personal needs. We may even have some free samples in stock to share with you!

Proper Care for Your Teeth After Your Smile Makeover

The first time you see your new smile makeover can be life-changing. While it may seem like appearance is meaningless, the reality is that bad teeth can keep people from smiling. They can impact self-esteem and how comfortable you feel with people.

Getting a great smile is great, but you need to take a few steps to protect that smile. Following these steps can help you make your smile makeover last a lifetime.

Brush, Brush, Brush

Oral hygiene is the key to a great smile. This is true for your smile makeover, too. You want to be sure you are brushing at least two times a day. You want to brush in the morning and again at night. You may even want to add an additional brushing mid-day. Many people brush after lunch.

Speaking of brushing, it is not enough to brush your teeth, you have to brush them properly. You should be brushing for two minutes at a time. Get the front and back of your teeth and brush from all angles. Make sure and brush your tongue, as well.

Floss

We have seen some people say that flossing is not necessary. That is just not true. You should be flossing at least once a day. Flossing helps get food that could be trapped between your teeth. It can not only help protect your smile, but also keep your breath smelling better.

There is a technique to proper flossing. You want to floss between each of your teeth. You do not want to cut your gum, but you do want to gently curve the floss around your gum. That can help you get any residue by your gums.

Avoid Foods that Stain

If whitening was part of your smile makeover, you want to keep that look. Some foods are known to stain your teeth. Tea, coffee, red wines, sodas, curry, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, fruit juices, and more can stain your teeth. Ask your dentist for a list of foods you should avoid. If you do eat foods that can stain your teeth, use tooth-whitening toothpaste to counteract those effects. Avoid smoking! Not only is it terrible for your health, but it also yellows your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

Finally, you should be seeing a dentist at least twice a year. One visit should be a cleaning and exam. The other should be an exam, cleaning, and x-rays. If you have any dental issues, your vet may recommend more regular visits. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for follow-up care.

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Common Causes of Toothaches

There is no pain like tooth pain. It is persistent and distracting. It can keep you from sleeping and the pain can even put you in danger. However, even though toothaches are so painful, sometimes people put off going to the dentist. They are convinced a trip to the dentist is going to mean painful and expensive dental work.

That is not always true. Sometimes the fix for a toothache may be as easy as a thorough cleaning or getting a nightguard to prevent you from grinding your teeth in your sleep. In fact, the solutions to toothaches are as numerous as the causes of toothaches.

There are four major types of toothaches. Many people will experience temperature sensitivity. Your teeth feel fine, but something too hot or too cold will make you wince. Other times, you have a dull ache in your mouth that seems to never go away. If left alone, the dull ache gets worse over time. Some people may feel fine and then get sharp, stabbing pains that come and go. Finally, there is a severe, throbbing pain. While all dental pain is inconvenient, the severe, throbbing pain requires immediate dental care as it could indicate a serious infection.

The most common cause of tooth pain is probably sensitive teeth. Many of us eat acidic foods that wear away tooth enamel, making us sensitive to hot and cold. Your dentist can inspect your mouth to ensure you do not have any cracked teeth, gum disease or other issues. They may apply sealants. They will probably instruct you to switch to an enamel-building toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

If you still have your wisdom teeth, they could be impacted and cause pain. This is common in people in their early adult years, who did not have their wisdom teeth removed as teenagers. Not all people need wisdom teeth removed- it depends on the size of your mouth.

Gum disease is a potential cause of tooth pain. However, if you get regular dental checkups, your dentist will probably be able to identify gum disease in its earlier stages (gingivitis) and before it progresses to the point of causing pain.

Of course, tooth decay or damage to the tooth’s structure can cause toothaches. When you have a cavity or tooth decay, the surface of your teeth gets destroyed, which can expose the root. That can lead to pain. Regular cleanings, exams, and x-rays are designed to detect cavities before they can become painful. They also help your dentist use less invasive treatments, such as fillings, to treat the cavity.

Finally, abscesses, which are infections inside the tooth, can cause serious pain. They are also a medical emergency. These infections are notoriously painful, can cause high fevers, and can lead to bone loss. The treatment for an abscess is usually a root canal. However, root canals have a bad reputation as a painful treatment. Root canals themselves are awkward and can be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. The dentist thoroughly numbs the area. Plus, while you will leave the office feeling a little sore, in most cases root canals provide immediate relief from the severe pain you were experiencing.

As you can see, several things can cause toothaches. Some of the solutions are non-invasive and others may just take a quick fix. So, the best thing to do is to get to the dentist as quickly as possible. With a dental exam, your dentist should be able to choose the best path to resolve the problem. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 732-556-9600.

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Science answers the question- should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

Everyone knows that you should brush your teeth at least two times per day. Once, at night before you go to bed. The other time in the morning when you wake up. There is even a silly saying about it, that you brush at night to save your teeth and in the morning to save your relationships. However, your morning brushing does more than conquer morning breath. It is also important for the health of your teeth.

In many ways, whether you brush before or after breakfast is a matter of personal preference. However, because breakfast foods may be acidic, brushing at the wrong time can actually weaken tooth enamel. So, whether you brush before or after you eat breakfast, you do not want to brush within 30 minutes of eating.

If you brush before breakfast, you get that morning breath out of your mouth. Morning breath does not just smell gross; it can also impact the taste of your food. While morning breath is embarrassing, it is normal. As you sleep, bacteria in your mouth multiply. These bacteria are responsible for causing morning breath, but, even worse, they cause plaque. When you brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, you get rid of those bacteria. Modern toothpastes also coat your teeth with a protective barrier that can help keep acid in your food from damaging your teeth. In addition, brushing first thing helps promote saliva. Saliva is your body’s way of protecting your teeth. So, brushing first thing can be great.

Another reason that many dentists advise brushing before breakfast is because many breakfast foods are sugary. The same bacteria that cause morning breath love to feast on sugars. So, if you have a carbohydrate-heavy breakfast, they are ready to feast on those sugars, which can promote tooth decay. Brushing the bacteria out of your mouth stops that process. However, if you are having a sugary breakfast, you also run the risk of sugar sitting in your mouth all day.

The big pro to brushing after breakfast is fluoride. If you brush after breakfast and do not take a drink to-go, the fluoride sits on your teeth, uninterrupted. That can give you better protection throughout the day. So, if you do decide to brush after you eat, you can still protect your teeth. Just wait about an hour after eating to brush your teeth. You can also chew sugar-free gum just after brushing to help boost saliva-production, which will help you counteract any acid that is lingering in your mouth.

The smaller pro to brushing after breakfast is your breath is going to smell better. Eating a meal disrupts that minty-fresh smell of your breath. If you are not going to consume anything else, leaving the house with a freshly brushed smile will make your day more pleasant for you and everyone you encounter. However, that is not reality for many people. Many of us are leaving the house with a coffee or other beverage in a to-go cup. They can make our breath smell, too.

So, the general consensus is that it is better to brush before breakfast. However, dentists also think it is more important to brush after breakfast than to skip your morning brushing. So, if you are more likely to brush if you wait till after breakfast, then keep it as part of your routine. The most important thing is to consistently brush for 2 minutes or longer every morning and night. Developing those habits is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

What Is the Difference between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

You go to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy. Generally, better oral health means a nicer looking smile. However, for millions of people, visiting a regular dentist is not enough to give them the smile they want. Your general dentist focuses on preventing tooth decay and other dental problems. However, a cosmetic dentist performs cosmetic procedures that can give you a brighter, prettier smile. Figuring out what you want from your dentist can help you determine the type of dentist to visit.

First, you should be seeing a general dentist at least twice a year. General guidelines are that people get cleanings every six months and x-rays once a year. X-rays help your dentist spot problems before they can develop into something serious. They can help save your teeth and prevent further tooth decay. So, if you are not seeing a dentist now, you want to make sure you are seeing a dentist at least twice a year.

A general dentist is like the general practitioner for your mouth. They focus on oral hygiene, fixing cavities, and addressing tooth pain. General dentists handle procedures like cleanings, fillings, and root canals. Although, in some cases your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist, which is another type of specialized dentist.

Cosmetic dentists have the same training as a general dentist, but they focus on making your smile look more attractive, as well. Most cosmetic dentists perform teeth cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and other standard dental work. However, some cosmetic dentists may prefer to focus on the cosmetic aspect and work with a general dentist for basic care. Those details depend on the dentist. For example, some practices focus on providing a single aspect of cosmetic dentistry, like veneers or caps.

A cosmetic dentist focuses on how your smile looks. They are focused on aesthetics. So, they offer things like veneers, implants, tooth whitening, and other procedures. These procedures might be considered restorative if they help return teeth to a prior condition, or purely cosmetic. The difference can be important when looking at insurance coverage.

Both type of dentists can also handle braces. Years ago, dentists did not handle orthodontics. Instead, they sent you to an orthodontist if you needed braces or other work. However, today many dentists also handle orthodontics, especially with non-invasive tooth straightening techniques. So, both a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist may be able to help you get a straighter smile. That is no surprise. While straightening your teeth may seem cosmetic, it can actually have a positive impact on your health. So, insurance may cover some portion of orthodontic care.

So, which type of dentists should you see? To decide, you need to determine your tooth goals. That can depend on what is going on in your mouth. If you need root canals, crowns, or dental implants after having a tooth removed, then you are in a different position than someone who just wants tooth whitening.

One of the best ways to start is to schedule a consultation. When you visit your dentist, they should have a treatment plan to outline the care for your teeth. The treatment plan is based on the condition of your teeth. If you have additional cosmetic concerns, you should discuss them with your doctor to add them to your treatment plan.

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Missing Teeth?

Teeth can fall out for any number of reasons including damage, decay, gum disease, or trauma. With the exception of your third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, every tooth in your mouth is necessary for proper function. Therefore, when a tooth is lost, your dentist will recommend that you replace the missing tooth as soon as possible. 

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, many people are hesitant because of the cost. However, what some people may not realize is that there are a variety of options for replacing missing teeth. These options can offer different treatment methods and can fit different budgets. 

Ultimately, the cost of replacing a missing tooth will depend upon the restoration method, as well as the dental materials used. Let’s take a look at some common restoration treatments for missing teeth to give you a better idea about cost. 

Dental bridge on a black background

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge uses a dental crown mounted on the teeth surrounding the gap to support a fake tooth, or pontic. Sometimes, more than one pontic may be used if multiple adjacent teeth are missing. The cost of a dental bridge will increase if more than one pontic is required. Additionally, the cost of a dental bridge is also dependent upon the materials used to fabricate the crowns and pontics or if the dental bridge needs to be replaced. Certain dental materials cost more than others, however they also have other pros and cons that must be considered. 

Partial dentures on a white background

Dentures

Dentures are generally used to replace multiple missing teeth. Partial dentures are used in cases where there are still intact teeth, while full dentures are used when there are no remaining teeth. Partial dentures are usually more affordable than full dentures, however there must be enough teeth to support them. The dental materials used to fabricate dentures will also play a role here as well. With dentures, the fake teeth will need to be fabricated, as well as the framework. Although it can vary, generally speaking metal framework tends to be more affordable than an acrylic framework that looks like real gum tissue. Once again, you will need to consider the pros and cons of each dental material available to you. For more information, see our article on “What are Dentures Made Of?” 

Dental implant restoration pieces

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are implanted into the jaw bone and used to support a dental prosthesis. To replace a single missing tooth, an implant-supported crown is used. To replace multiple missing teeth either an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported denture is used, depending on how many teeth are missing. With dental implants, there is the cost of the implant as well as the prosthetic that is attached to it. 

In addition to the type of method used to replace missing teeth, another thing you need to consider is how long the treatment is expected to last, as well as the cost of potential maintenance. Some methods may have a lower upfront cost, but you’ll end up paying more in maintenance, while others have a higher upfront cost, but only require little to no maintenance. These are things you should discuss with your dentist prior to making a decision. 

As you can see, the cost of replacing missing teeth is somewhat ambiguous and varies depending on a number of factors. You will need to consider your treatment method, the dental materials used, and its lifespan to determine the actual cost. Although there are several sites that offer estimates, they are just that: estimates. To find out for sure how much it costs to replace missing teeth, schedule a consultation with your local dental office. Most dental offices will offer free or discounted consultations that allow you to learn more about your options. 

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic that is used to restore an entire arch of teeth or both arches to restore an entire mouth of missing teeth. They are designed as artificial teeth and gums that sit on top of the natural gum tissue. Dentures can be worn throughout the day to help with functions like eating and speaking, however they are removed at night. 

When a dentist recommends dentures, patients often wonder what dentures are made of and how they are made. After all, many want to be sure that their dentures will be visually appealing and made out of safe dental materials. Luckily, your dentist has your best interests in mind and will use special dental materials that are safe, effective, and aesthetic.

Partial dentures

What are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures contain two main parts that require different dental materials. Namely, these are the false teeth and the framework. Denture teeth are fabricated using either resin or porcelain. Resin can be colored to resemble natural teeth and is a more affordable dental material. Porcelain is considered to be highly aesthetic in terms of its color and texture, but it can also be a more expensive dental material to make dentures from. Additionally, porcelain is usually only recommended for full dentures, meaning most partial dentures teeth are made from resin. This is because porcelain is highly abrasive to tooth enamel and can cause damage or premature wear in the opposing teeth. 

The composition of denture framework can vary depending on the type of denture. Full dentures will be fabricated to look like natural gums and will be made with an acrylic or nylon base, and acrylic gum attachments. In some cases, full dentures may also use metal gum attachments, but these are usually not noticeable when the denture is in place. Partial dentures use the same acrylic or nylon base, however they may also contain metal clasps that wrap around surrounding teeth and hold the denture in place. 

How are Dentures Made?

Now that we know what dentures are made of, let’s take a look at the way dentures are made. The first step to having dentures made is to have your dentist take a dental impression. A dental impression uses a metal tray filled with impression putty that is designed to change from a smoothie consistency to a rubber consistency in as little as a minute. This allows your dentist to obtain a mold of your mouth that they can send to a dental lab to have your dentures fabricated. 

Denture fabrication

To make your denture, a special device called an articulator will be used to replicate the jaw. The mold of your upper and lower arch will be attached to the articulator to create a functional model of your mouth so the dentures can be fabricated for function and appearance. In the early stages, fake teeth will be attached to a wax framework to make a test model. This model will be checked for fit and adjustments will be made if needed. 

Once the wax model has been fitted, it will be used to make the permanent restoration. This is accomplished by pouring hot plaster into the wax framework. This melts the wax and allows the plaster to take its shape. A solution to prevent sticking is applied to the plaster before the acrylic or nylon is poured into the plaster. After everything has hardened, the final step is to remove the plaster, revealing a completed dentures. The final product will then be polished and sent to your local dental office. 

As you can see, dentures are made from certain dental materials that are effective and aesthetic. The fake teeth used for dentures are made from resin or porcelain, while the framework is made with acrylic or nylon. Additionally, the fabrication process for a denture shows how every little detail of your smile is taken into account when making your dentures. 

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

It’s a new year and a new year means a new you, so why not a new smile? If one of your resolutions was to be happier, then smiling regularly is a key part of achieving that goal. However, smiling all the time is much easier when you feel good about the smile you are showing the world. One way to quickly brighten up the appearance of your smile is to have your teeth professionally whitened. 

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure performed in a dental office. Unlike over the counter whitening treatments, in-office treatments use a higher concentration of whitener and are applied by a dental professional. This means there are fewer risks and better results than over the counter treatments. 

When considering whitening treatments, a common question you may want to ask your dentist is, “how long does teeth whitening last?” It has been found that whitening treatments can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, with the average being around 1 year. In most cases, there are different factors that can affect how long your whitening results last. These can include initial color, type of stain, the rate of exposure to highly pigmented materials, and oral habits. 

Stains can be derived from a variety of sources, but the most common come from pigments in the food and beverages we consume. Some examples of stain culprits are: 

  • Coffee & tea
  • Red wine
  • Colored condiments (ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, etc.)
  • Beets
  • Tomato sauce
Spoons aligned in a row with various colored condiments

These highly pigmented materials contain chromogens, which are colored molecules. Since your teeth are porous, they absorb these colored molecules and become discolored over time. The more you eat or drink things with colored molecules, the faster your teeth will become discolored. This is one reason why teeth whitening results can vary based on the individual. Therefore, people who regularly consume pigmented foods and beverages are more likely to have their results fade around the six month mark, while those who do not may be able to extend their results for longer. 

Importance of oral hygiene

However, stains can also be caused by other factors that cannot be easily managed, such as age, genetics, and certain medications. You cannot control your age or your genetics, and taking certain medications is most likely necessary to maintain your overall health. Nevertheless, these factors can also play an integral role in how long your whitening results last. Because of this, they should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist prior to having your teeth whitened. 

Luckily, there are also things that can extend your whitening results. Maintaining great oral hygiene is one main way to keep your teeth whiter for longer. Twice daily brushing and flossing once a day removes the excess plaque and tartar, as well as superficial stains before they can be absorbed into the tooth. Brushing after consuming highly pigmented substances can also help keep discolorations under control. In some cases, your cosmetic dentist may also provide you with take home whitening trays or special whitening toothpaste to maintain your results. 

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

5 Ways to Feel More Comfortable at the Dentist’s Office

Dentist speaking with patient

Talk with Your Dentist

Many dentists are familiar with patients who have dental anxiety and are more than willing to help you manage that anxiety. However, they don’t know that you are feeling anxious about something if you don’t tell them. Discussing your dental anxieties and fears with your dentist before they start anything can be empowering and make you feel a sense of control. With severe cases of dental anxiety, you may want to schedule an appointment just to discuss these concerns and then return at a later date for the actual dental appointment at the office. 

Make Sure You Have the Right Dentist

Part of feeling comfortable in the dentist’s office and chair is to feel comfortable with the dentist. In most cases, bad dental experiences are not a result of dentistry itself, but the dentist. Having the wrong dentist can cause you to associate the dentist’s office with negative or unpleasant experiences, which further increases your dental anxiety. Taking time to choose the right dentist is a very important step to managing dental anxiety. 

Man listening to headphones

 Use Relaxation Techniques or Music

Certain relaxation techniques like deep breathing, acupressure, and meditation can work well to help you decrease your anxiety levels. However, the key to using relaxation techniques effectively is to practice them several times before you are in an anxious state. This is because relaxation techniques work best when your body has been trained to respond to them. Another way you can relax in the dentist’s chair is to listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast.  Instead of focusing on your anxiety, you can focus on what you are listening to. This also works well to drown out any anxiety-inducing noises. 

Avoid Caffeine

If you know you have a dentist appointment later in the day, skip that morning cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant, which will serve as fuel for your anxiety and will make it worse. You should also avoid sugary foods as well. Instead, focus on eating high protein foods because they naturally produce a calming effect on the body. 

Consider Dental Sedation

If the above strategies do not seem to be working for you, or if you have extreme dental anxiety, then dental sedation may be an ideal option for you. There are varying levels of dental sedation that can be used to relax you, put you in a light sleep, and render you completely unconscious. One common dental sedation method used for dental anxiety is nitrous oxide because it is an inhaled gas that calms you down without lasting effects after the procedure. 

While dental anxiety can make it a challenge to visit the dentist’s office, strategies such as talking with your dentist, making sure you have the right dentist, distraction through relaxation techniques or music, avoiding caffeine, and dental sedation can help you feel more comfortable at the dental office. Some of these strategies may require practice or planning ahead, but they can be worth it if they alleviate your stress.  

Dr. Anthony Mancino

Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.

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