James W. Mellert DDS

Studies show that less than 10 percent of people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions each year. That is a pretty dismal number. It probably makes you wonder why you should even bother following through with your resolutions.

We often tend to set some broad goals for ourselves this time of the year. We desire to lose weight, eat healthily and visit our dentist on a regular basis, but often fall short when actually trying to carry them out. If you have tried and failed at resolutions time and time again, it might be time to take some tips into consideration. Making resolutions is easy, keeping them is where you need the help.

James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, offers these tips to keeping your New Year’s resolutions.

You Must Want It

The success of any resolution you make comes down to how much you want to reach that goal. If you resolve to eat healthier food, but aren’t really all that excited about it, you are destined to fail. Let’s get real. Life is going to get in the way of your goals and it is the way you react that will determine if you make or break your resolutions. If you really don’t want to lose 10 pounds, then it just isn’t going to happen.

Your Goals Should Be Achievable

You will be disappointed at the end of the month if you resolved to drop 30 pounds by the end of January. That is a goal that is tough for anybody to reach. Your best bet is to break that down in a way that it can be measured. Instead, resolve to lose 4 pounds a month for the next eight month. This is a goal that is much easier to achieve and will leave you encouraged at the end of each month.

Have Reminders Everywhere

In the midst of our very busy lives, it is inevitable that resolutions might totally slip our minds from time to time. To keep this from happening, make sure that your resolutions are written down and prominently displayed around your home and your workstation. This way, you have constant reminders that you made some goals at the beginning of the year and you won’t forget about them.

Lose The Negativity

Don’t go into this thinking that it’s a bad idea or that there is no way you can reach these goals. If so, then you are already defeated. And even though you may have tried resolutions in the past and failed, this year will be different. Think positive thoughts about yourself and your resolutions every morning when you get up.

Get Help

There is absolutely no shame in having to lean on family members and friends for support. Talk about your resolutions with people you trust and ask them for their help. You will be glad you did when you reach a low point and are ready to throw in the towel.

And if you resolved to visit your dentist on a regular basis, now is the time to keep that resolution. Give James M. Mellert a call today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those hard candies grandma keep in a bowl next to the nativity scene on the fireplace mantle might seem harmless, but if you eat too many of them the constant exposure to sugar can be very harmful to your teeth. This holds true to a lot of the food you see at grandma’s house around the holiday season. And it is up to you to avoid the foods bad for your teeth ad grandma isn’t going to change her ways and serve carrots and celery in the Christmas candy dishes anytime soon.

If you are what you eat, it is particularly true for your teeth and gums. When you eat and drink starchy and sugary foods and drinks, you are not only feeding your body bad foods, you are feeding the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

And while you do a pretty good job keeping clear of the foods and drink that rot your teeth any other time, it is a bit harder around the holiday season. In fact, there might even be traditional holiday foods you eat that you don’t even realize are bad for your teeth. For example, fruitcake is full of sugar and candied fruit, which means if you want healthy teeth, it’s a food you should avoid as much as possible.

James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, offers up some foods and drinks that are good for your teeth and some foods you need to avoid this holiday season.

Wine

Nothing is as disastrous as spilling red wine on a white carpet. You will have a stain there forever.

If red wine can stain your carpet, then it can stain your teeth. Wine contains an erosive acid that allows stains to penetrate your teeth more deeply. Wine also tends to dry out your mouth, which makes it hot and sticky and the perfect place for bacteria to thrive and multiply.

Sour Candies

You aren’t surprised that candy is bad for your teeth. But what might surprise you is that sour candy is a lot tougher on your teeth. This is because sour candy contains acids that are really bad for your teeth. Sour candies are also sticky and stay n your teeth for a long period of time. This is a combination that leads to tooth decay. If you are craving a sweet, grab a small chocolate instead as you can chew it quickly and it will easily wash away off your teeth.

Bread

When your body is craving carbs, skip the white bread in favor of whole wheat. When you chew bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar. This gummy paste is then deposited in the crevices of your teeth. This will cause cavities.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are good for your teeth. Fruits and vegetables with fiver work as a detergent in your mouth. They get your saliva flowing, which is your best tool to fight gum disease and cavities.

Cheese is another saliva maker and the calcium in cheese is good for your teeth. The same holds true for milk and other dairy products.

Dried Fruits

Gotcha in this one. You might think that dried foods are good for your teeth, they aren’t. While dried fruits are a healthy snack, you need to eat them with caution. Many dried fruits are sticky, like apricots and raisins, and can cling to your teeth and in crevices in your mouth and leave behind a lot of sugar. If you do eat dried fruits, rinse your mouth out after and floss to get rid of those trapped particles.

Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit, oranges and lemons are tasty, full of vitamin C and are a healthy food, but they are also full of acid that can erode your enamel. In addition, the acid in these fruits can also be bothersome if you have any sores in your mouth. That is, it stings. Make sure you rinse your mouth after eating that orange.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are quite satisfying. But they are also loaded with starch, which is turned into sugar in the mouth and gets trapped in your teeth.

Watch what you eat this holiday season and don’t forget to visit James W. Mellert for a checkup. Call now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You need a good reason to see James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance? We can give you several. For starters, we are in the midst of the holiday season and you may have been nipping at eggnog and downing a few Christmas cookies, those can cause cavities you know. It’s better to be safe than to wind up with a toothache on a Saturday morning when you have plenty of chores that need to be done.

Many people go years without seeing a dentist, they just don’t know what they are missing. But hey, even if you aren’t suffering a toothache and think all is well in your mouth, you really should pay a visit to your dentist. Here are a few reasons why.

Bad Breath

If you are suffering from bad breath, everybody around you is suffering as well. Sorry, that was uncalled for, we couldn’t resist.

Seriously though, bad breath could be the sign of a more serious condition. Bad breath can be caused by food particles stuck in your teeth or it could be due to something serious like a liver or kidney ailment. It is best if you have it checked out by your dentist right away.

Bright Smile

As you age, your teeth will tend to get stained and you will lose the bright white smile that you once had. Don’t fret about it, visit your dentist and ask about ways in which you can get that bright smile back. In many cases, all it takes is teeth whitening. If you suffer a chipped or otherwise unsightly tooth, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way and there are a number of ways we can fix teeth.

Prevent Disease

Bad breath might also be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is something you really don’t want to deal with. Some other warning signs include bleeding gums and swollen or tender gums. Bleeding gums might also be the result of brushing with a little too much vigor. But just to be safe, you should call and schedule an appointment.

Wear and Tear

Your teeth have been through a lot over the years. It is time that you came in to have your dentist take a look at any damage that may have occurred. Remember that bone you bit into a few years ago while eating chicken? That may have caused damage that will give you fits if not taken care of soon.

The James W. Mellert dental office offers a myriad of treatments and services for our patients. But one of the most helpful treatments in general dentistry is professional teeth cleaning. Before any other treatments are suggested, teeth cleaning should be done.

Even though you don’t look forward to it, it is important that you keep that six-month checkup, it is for your own good. Skipping out on your checkup because of anxiety, cost or any other factor puts you at risk.

Go ahead, give us a call and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

 

If you pass on ice cream and hot tea because they make your teeth hurt, it might be time to talk to your dentist about sensitive teeth. Sometimes, other things bother you as well, like sour and sweet foods as well as cold air.

If you are one of the 40 million Americans with sensitive teeth, you are familiar with the zing that follows a hot drink or breath of cold air. If you are living with sensitive teeth, it is good to know what causes it so you can better avoid it. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, offers the causes of tooth sensitivity.

Too Much Mouthwash

Some over-the-counter rinses and mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive. You might want to try a neutral mouthwash or skip it altogether and just floss and brush your teeth more often.

Buildup Of Plaque

Flossing and brushing help remove the plaque that forms on your teeth. If you aren’t doing a good job brushing and flossing, you can suffer a buildup of plaque. An excessive buildup of plaque can cause the enamel on teeth to wear away. When this happens, it can cause sensitivity in your teeth.

Of course, the easiest way to prevent this is by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. You will also want to visit your dentist every six months for a good cleaning.

You Grind Your Teeth

Tooth enamel is strong, in fact, it is the strongest substance in your body, but grinding your teeth can wear it down. And when you do, you expose the middle layer of the tooth which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. You might want to visit your dentist and talk about the use of a mouth guard that will stop you from grinding your teeth at night.

Gum Disease

If you have gum disease or receding gums, it can cause sensitive teeth. You will want to pay a visit to your dentist to come up with a plan to treat the underlying disease.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth can cause pain and can be the reason you suffer sensitive teeth. You will need to see your dentist right away and have it evaluated. The right course of treatment, whether that is a cap or an extraction, will have you feeling better in time.

Dental Procedure

After a root canal, it is quite common to suffer some sensitivity. The same holds true after having a tooth pulled or having a crown. If the symptoms don’t disappear after a few weeks, you will need to go back and see your dentist again as there could be an infection.

Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste

Just like some mouthwashes and rinses, some tooth-whitening toothpastes contain chemicals that can cause tooth sensitivity in some people. If you are using a tooth-whitening toothpaste and are suffer from sensitive teeth, you might want to switch to a regular toothpaste.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, contact James W. Mellert today and schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

We all reach that point in our lives when we come to the realization that we are getting significantly older. This realization often hits people right around the age of 50, the half-century mark of our lives. It is right around this time when you may notice that you have more wrinkles around your eyes and on your neck. In addition, you need reading glasses to peruse the menu at your favorite eatery and you say “what?” a lot more than you want to. You may also notice a decline in dental health.

Your body goes through drastic changes during puberty, which is why most of us would never want to go through that again. But what many of you don’t know is that your body will once again go through some pretty drastic changes after the age of 50. Dental issues that you thought you would never have to deal with again might start cropping up if you aren’t careful. And while the occasional cavity is nothing to lose sleep over, there are some pretty serious dental problems you will want to avoid. James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, gives you a few examples.

Tooth Decay

Cavities are fairly common and easily resolved, but as your teeth get older, decay becomes more of a problem. Cavities can become more prevalent around old fillings. Regular visits to your dental office will help prevent tooth decay.

Oral Cancer

The older you get, the higher the risk of oral cancer. Your best defense against this scary and devastating disease is early detection. Regular dental checkups are the best way to catch this disease in the early stages.

Overcrowding Teeth

As you age, the more your teeth are prone to shifting. Gradually, your teeth become overcrowded and you notice that food is more likely to get stuck between your teeth. You also have a more difficult time flossing. If this is happening to you, pay a visit to your dentist for options.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications older people may be taking. In addition to making it uncomfortable to eat and all around rather annoying, dry mouth can cause bad breath and damage your teeth. This is a pretty common condition in older patients but can be resolved by drinking more water throughout the day. If the condition persists, schedule an appointment with your family dentist.

Gingivitis

If your gums are red, swollen and tend to bleed, the culprit could be gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into gum disease, which is quite serious and can lead to complications including tooth loss. Again, regular dental visits can help prevent this disease.

Darkened Teeth

Tooth darkening is a natural effect of aging. The hard tissue covering your teeth, known as enamel, wears away and exposes the darker dentin underneath it. If you smoke, drink coffee or other foods that stain, your teeth become discolored over the years.

Caring for aging teeth is important, here is what you can do to minimize problems.

Brushing

Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your teeth clean. A soft-bristled brush is comfortable and prevents damage to the tooth enamel and gums. You should be brushing your teeth in the morning, at night before bed and after each meal. Dentists recommend a two to three minute cleaning time.

If you are suffering arthritis or otherwise find it difficult to brush your teeth, you can try an electric toothbrush.

Flossing

Flossing should be a daily event as it is the best way to remove sticky bacteria from your teeth. Flossing allows you to reach places you can’t with your toothbrush. But keep in mind that flossing can damage gums, teeth and dental work if you aren’t careful.

Implants

If you have missing teeth, consider having implants. This procedure does involve surgery, but provides a permanent solution to tooth loss and tooth damage. Implants work by connecting a metal post into the jawbone and then attaching a dental implant by screwing it into place. The implant integrates to your bone and looks like a natural tooth.

Dentures

Dentures are also an option if you have missing teeth.

If it has been a while since you have seen your dentist, give James W. Mellert a call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many people wait years between dental appointments. In fact, they would not see their dentist in Torrance at all except for those times when they get a terrible toothache. If it wasn’t for tooth decay, some people would write off dentists as fictional characters.

Now, you don’t go years between dental appointments, you know better than that. Still, you might see your dentist once every year, maybe year and a half, which you think is pretty good. Except that it is not.

If you go longer than six months between dental visits, you aren’t doing yourself or your teeth any favors. Here is a list of reasons you need to visit James W. Mellert on a regular basis.

Problems Under the Surface

A critical part of your bi-annual dental checkups is having your teeth x-rayed. These x-rat images enable your dentist and other dental professionals to see what is going on beneath the surface of your mouth. They can discover and diagnose problems that cannot be seen on the surface. This could include issues like impacted teeth, tumors and cysts.

This is especially important when it comes to some very destructive diseases that show no symptoms but tend to progress very rapidly. Dental check-ups are very beneficial to your overall health.

Keep Those Bad Habits in Check

There are several bad habits that can have a negative impact on your oral health. The biggies include smoking and eating sticky candy, but biting your nails, drinking coffee and wine and grinding your teeth are all habits that can do harm to your teeth.

When you visit your dental clinic on a regular basis, your dentist can check for any damage caused by your bad habits that you may not have noticed. In all likelihood, your dentist will inform you that your habits are destructive and possibly deadly. You will probably be encouraged to make better lifestyle choices. As for the damage that has already been done, your dentist can fix those up when you pay him or her a visit.

Plaque and Tartar

Even if you are a diligent daily brusher and flosser, there are still areas in your mouth that are missed by your toothbrush and floss. Plaque then starts to build up and becomes quite difficult to remove. If left unchecked, it hardens and turns into tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove without professional help.

Regular visits to your dentist office for cleanings prevent plaque and tartar from eroding and otherwise damaging your teeth. Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is a lot less expensive and less painful than having to have your dentist fill the cavities created by plaque and tartar.

Gum Disease

It’s bad enough that plaque and tartar cause cavities, but they also can cause gum disease. When this happens, the gum begins to pull away from the tooth, then it only gets worse from there. If you have gum disease, there will be swelling, bleeding and soreness in your mouth.

Along with the breakdown of your gum tissue, you can expect the bones that hold your teeth in place to break down as well. Having your dentist treat gum disease will certainly take a blow on your wallet. The best way to avoid all of this is by seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a very serious disease that can manifest itself in numerous ways. If it is not discovered and diagnosed in the early stages, it could become life-threatening. Early stage oral cancer is often easily treatable.

Your dentist is highly-trained to recognize the symptoms and signs of oral cancer. Seeing your dentist every six months increases the chances that you will have any signs of oral cancer detected in the early stages.

Healthy Body

Studies repeatedly confirm that the state of your oral health provides insight into your overall health. Oral conditions can lead to other conditions and diseases including heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Setting a Good Example

If you aren’t seeing your dentist every six months, you can’t expect your children to understand the importance of regular dental checkups. If anything, seeing your dentist on a regular basis sets a good example for your kids and other children including nieces and nephews.

Having to visit your dentist every six months isn’t the appointment you are necessarily looking forward to. In fact, it could be the appointment you dread most. But it is one of the most important appointments that you need to keep.

If you are finding yourself skipping out on dental checkups for whatever reasons, you need to stop and consider all of the risks you are taking. Keep telling yourself that it is very important that your visit James W. Mellert every six months. Call and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. And what they say is true; first impressions are everything and you are judged by the way you look. Your smile is your calling card on first dates, job interviews and meeting your child’s teacher for the first time. Smiles get you through awkward moments, they make you look younger, or older and they can help you defuse a potentially angry situation.

Having a great smile is sort of like having a superpower. But if you don’t have a great smile, you wake up each morning and don’t like what you see in the mirror. If you are less than satisfied with your smile, perhaps it’s time for a change. James W. Mellert, DDS, your cosmetic dentistry clinic in Torrance, offers several ways in which you can improve your smile.

Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between your teeth and out from under your gum lines, these are places your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Flossing every day helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. If you let plaque build up, it can lead to tooth loss and bone destruction, either of which won’t do any good for your smile.

Don’t Smoke

You probably already know how bad smoking is to your health. Well, it will also take a toll on your smile. Smoking stains your teeth, leaving them yellow and brown. The superficial stain can be polished out, but it can also soak deep into the enamel.

Smoking also poses a danger to your gums. It can cause them to recede and develop large pockets around your teeth. Your teeth will appear longer and with dark spaces between them.

Limit Tea, Red Wine and Coffee

Beverages like tea, red wine and coffee can stain your teeth. Just like smoking, these stains can be polished out by your dentist, but they can also stain deep into the tooth enamel. When you do drink beverages that cause stains, rinse your mouth frequently with water.

Teeth Whitening

A bright smile requires white teeth and the best way to achieve this is by having your teeth whitened at your dentist office.

Over time, your teeth can get stained from smoking, drinking certain beverages and even by some medications. A professional bleaching is much stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products.

Bonding

Bonding is an easy and safe way to correct the appearance of teeth that are cracked, unevenly spaced or stained. Bonding uses a tooth-colored plastic base material called composite resin to correct these problems. Bonding can be accomplished in just one visit to your dentist and the results can last for several years.

Crowns

A crown is a custom cap that fits perfectly over a damaged tooth. If you have a damaged tooth or one that is more than 3/4 filling, then you can get a crown to place over it and give you a better-looking smile. Your crown will also help protect the tooth by preventing further bacteria from entering it and causing an infection.

Veneers

Veneers are custom shells, typically made from porcelain, that cover the front side of teeth and change their shape and color. Veneers are similar to bonding, but last longer and provide superior appearance. Veneers improve the looks in teeth that have spaces between them, are permanently stained, have chips, are poorly shaped and are crooked.

Implants

Implants are an involved and expensive form of cosmetic dentistry, but are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and come in three parts. You have the titanium metal which fuses to the jawbone, the abutment which fits over the part that sticks out of the gums and the crown which has a natural, tooth-like appearance.

Braces

People of all ages can enjoy the benefits of braces. Braces not only improve the look of teeth that are crowded or crooked, they also improve jaw positioning and bite. Braces are worn to apply pressure and reposition teeth. It is a procedure that can take several months, if not longer, to complete.

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made of porcelain, alloys, gold or a combination. Your dentist will anchor a bridge to the surrounding teeth that holds the false tooth.

Enamel Shaping

If you are not happy with the way your teeth are shaped, your dentist can shape them to make improvements. Through enamel shaping, your dentist can alter the size, shape and position of your teeth. Chips and cracks can also be corrected.

Regular Checkups

Making sure that your teeth are clean and healthy goes a long way in improving your smile. Keeping regular appointments with your dentist will help ensure that problems are spotted early and treatment is sought to divert issues that could affect your smile. Schedule a visit with James W. Mellert, DDS today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s never going to be a good day when your dentist tells you that you have a cavity. After all, it’s nothing to be proud of. It is especially hurtful if you are the type who diligently brushes your teeth at least twice a day and do what you can to keep your teeth healthy. And let’s not forget the fact you will have to get a filling, which is cause for anxiety for some of you.

After the cavity is discovered, the next step is typically the dental filling. Dental fillings come in several different materials and each has advantages and disadvantages. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, takes a look at the various types of fillings.

The Classic

Amalgam fillings are what most think of as silver fillings, but they are really composed of a mixture of silver, copper, tin and mercury. Dentists have been using amalgam fillings for over 150 years because they are long-lasting, strong and an inexpensive option.

The downside to this type of filling is that they are very noticeable and tend to get dark over time. If you are worried about your smile, you might want to go with a different option.

Composite

Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and powdered glass. You read that right, powdered glass. The beauty of composite fillings is that they can be colored to match your natural teeth. This is why they are a popular choice.

However, they do wear out faster than other filling options and they aren’t the best choice if you have great chewing pressure.

Million Dollar Smile

Gold fillings won’t literally cost you a million dollars, they just make you look like a million dollars. Gold fillings aren’t made of pure gold, but they are still one of the most durable choices available. But they will cost you a pretty penny to have gold fillings, about six to 10 times more than amalgam fillings.

Ceramic

Ceramic fillings are made mostly of porcelain, which makes them a great low-profile option. In addition to being tooth-colored, they are also resistant to stains. One drawback to ceramic fillings is that they are more brittle than other filling options and are rather expensive.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are made of acrylic and fluoroaluminosilicate, which is a component of glass and a really long word. This type of filling is typically used for fillings on front teeth or fillings when the decay goes into the root of the tooth. The downside to this type of filling is that they don’t last very long, around five years or so and they don’t match the color of teeth as closely as composite fillings.

If you still have questions about the types of fillings dentists use, feel free to give James W. Mellert a call. You should also come and see us if you are having problems with any existing fillings that are bothering you. A loose or damaged filling can lead to complications, so you don’t want to wait to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Your resume might be quite impressive with all of the years experience you have and your education. But it seems as though it’s your colleagues and friends who are the ones landing their dream job or getting huge raises and impressive promotions. Heck, even your younger brother, who has neither the education nor experience that you have, recently was promoted to a better paying and more prestigious position within the company he works.

It just doesn’t make any sense why you are left spinning your wheels.

In the professional world, what matters just as much as your education and experience are your looks. So no matter how impressive your projects are, they don’t have as much impact as your smile. Even if you waltz into work wearing board shorts, a tank top and flip-flops, as long as you have a great smile, nobody is going to criticize you.

Research has discovered that over 75 percent of Americans think that an unattractive smile can tank your career. So it is likely that this is exactly how your boss feels, or the person interviewing you for your dream job.

James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, offers the professional benefits of a smile makeover.

You Will Look Good

You would be amazed at how much difference a smile makeover will do for your overall appearance. And really, who doesn’t want to look good? If you care anything about your career, you should be well aware that looks really do matter.

Fountain of Youth

A smile makeover could take years off your age. Wouldn’t be nice if your colleagues thought you were five years younger than you really are? A younger look means that you are just as competent as the younger competitors at work. A smile makeover will give you a look of accomplishment and vitality.

You Look Healthy

Stained or otherwise discolored teeth make you look unhealthy. Going in and having your teeth whitened could land you a promotion the very next day. The people you work with will notice a white smile to be sure.

You Feel Confident

When you don’t have to worry about hiding your teeth when conversing with others, it makes you look like a confident person. Great looking teeth will leave you oozing confidence form your pores.

People Will Pay Attention

When you see somebody with bad teeth and an unhealthy smile, you do your best to look away. Nobody wants to stare at that. A healthy smile is inviting, it draws people in and they will pay attention and they will listen to what you have to say.

You Look Smarter

It is unfortunate that we stereotype people, but it is what we do. This means if you have bad teeth, people will label you. Now, the person with a clean and healthy smile will be labeled as well, only in a positive sense. People with great teeth are perceived as smarter.

As you can see, a smile makeover would be a big boost for your career. Call James W. Mellert today.

 

 

 

 

There are people who get nervous even when they just think about going to the dentist. They might be scared because they think the visit might hurt. Others are scared because they haven’t been to James W. Mellert, their dental clinic in Torrance,  in a long time and they aren’t sure what the dentist will find.

No matter the reason for your apprehension, the fear is real and it affects many people, some to the point they haven’t seen a dentist in years. Dental phobia is a serious condition that up to 20 percent of the population suffers. They exhibit classic avoidance behavior. That is, they will do just about everything to avoid going to the dentist.

You might think their fear of the dentist is totally irrational, and it is, but they are unable to do anything about it. Other signs of dental phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment, feeling physically ill the day of your appointment and difficulty breathing.

There are many reasons people are afraid of going to the dentist, here are a few.

Fear of Pain

Fear of pain is a common reason people avoid going to the dentist office. This fear stems from earlier dental experiences in which the treatment was painful or otherwise unpleasant. But thanks to advances in dentistry, most procedures and less painful and many are pain-free.

Feeling of Helplessness

It is common for some people to feel helplessness or a loss of control. You are, after all, sitting prone in a chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what is going on.

Fear of Needles

The notion of a huge needle being jammed into your mouth isn’t easy to swallow. Needles are scary enough without having to think about the fact you will be having one going in your mouth.

Others fear that the injection won’t work and they will suffer immense pain when the procedure begins.

Side Effects

There are people who worry about the side effects that can crop up when getting a dental treatment. You might feel faint or suffer nausea during a treatment and it is likely you will have a numb lip when it is all done.

Loss of Personal Space

Some people have a difficult time when people are invading their personal space. Others feel self-conscious about their breath or the appearance of their teeth.

The key to coping with your fear of the dentist is talking to your dentist about your fears. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, they will work with you to determine ways to make you feel less anxious. Here are other ways to manage your anxiety about going to the dentist.

Kick out the Jams

If the sound of a drill in your mouth bothers you, drown the buzzing out with some gnarly tunes. If you are feeling tense and scared, calm yourself with some relaxing classical music or some other kind of music that relaxes you.

Bring a Friend

Bring someone you trust, someone who isn’t afraid of dentists, to sit with you during the exam to help put you at ease. This would also be a person who could speak for you when you can’t and help take control of the situation.

Therapy

There are professionals out there who specialize in fears people have and help them to overcome them. So, yes, you can go and lie down on a couch and tell the guy with the pen and notepad about your life and how you hate going to the dentist office.

Meditate

Teach yourself how to relax through meditation. Practice a mantra or do whatever you can to learn how to better control your fears. Once you have mastered this, go to your dentist and see how well it works.

Wear Sunglasses

We all seem to feel a little more at ease while wearing sunglasses.

Hold on Loosely

Bring something with you that you can hold during the procedure, like a teddy bear or a stress relief ball. A teddy bear will bring you comfort and a stress ball is a way to take your mind off what is going in at the moment.

Medication

If your anxiety is bad enough, you might want to consider taking a medication to keep you calm. This is something you should discuss with your dentist.

Give the Signal

Before your procedure, let the dentist know that if you raise your hand, it is a signal for them to stop for a moment.

Sedation Dentistry

If your fear of the dentist is bad enough, you might want to talk with your dentist about sedation dentistry. Anesthesia just might be the best option.

If you have dental phobia, give us a call at James W. Mellert and we can discuss ways we can work around your fears.