The best way to reduce anxiety about seeing a dentist is, of course, to do your best to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. That means brushing after breakfast and dinner for a full two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to stroke from the bottom of the tooth to the top of both front and back (so, towards the mouth: upward for the lower arch, downward for the upper arch). It also means flossing before bedtime, making sure the string scrapes against the sides of each tooth.

At least twice a year, you will need to come into the Lotus Family Dental office to have the dentist check for any signs of decay or infection and once a year have a full set of digital x-rays to be sure the jawbone that holds up the teeth is healthy. You can also consider cosmetic dentistry options to improve your smile. At least twice a year, you should  have our dental hygienist do a professional cleaning, since she has special tools, techniques, and antibiotic solutions to make sure your teeth are super-clean and that the gums do not harbor any infection. Otherwise, inadequate brushing and flossing could lead to the eventual loss of teeth. 

But if you do need treatment, there is no need to be fearful or anxious. In most cases, including for dental implants and oral surgery, a topical will be applied to numb the area first, then an injection of an anesthetic will make sure you will feel no pain. For surgery, you will have a choice of a mild or strong sedative in pill form and afterwards you will be given a prescription for the appropriate pain medication.

There are other ways to reduce anxiety before a visit to our office:

• Read testimonials about our services and study what your treatment involves.
• Take calming nutritional supplements for a few days prior to the visit, like calcium and magnesium or herbs, which can help you relax.
• Do meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
• At home, listen to soft music and ask for it while you are in the dental chair.
• Distract yourself in the days before by watching favorite movies and TV series, get lost in a book, play games, or go out with friends.
• Bring a friend to talk to as you wait.

There is no need to worry about coming to our office: you will be in good hands.

What is a root canal?

A root canal clears away the rotted interior, and restores your tooth to health. This procedure involves:

• Removing bacteria and decay from inside of the tooth
• Using antibiotics to disinfect the site
• Filling and sealing the area to prevent further decay 

Your natural tooth will remain intact and in place, however it will be more fragile following a root canal. Your doctor may recommend covering it with a crown to protect it. 

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Because issues at the core of a tooth are hard to see with the naked eye, how can you know if and when you might need a root canal? There are a few signs to look out for. 

Recurring pain

Pain is a symptom associated with many kinds of dental problems (e.g., gum disease, cavities, an impacted tooth) and is always something you should get checked out by your dentist as soon as possible. 

The pain may be constant or it might come and go. It can also feel like it is originating in different parts of your mouth, from deep in your tooth to your jaw, face, or other teeth. 

Only your dentist will be able to diagnose if the cause of your pain is inner tooth decay requiring a root canal. 

Tooth sensitivity 

If biting into a popsicle or drinking a steaming mug of coffee causes you to wince in pain, this could point to damaged nerves and blood vessels in your teeth. 

Tooth sensitivity can take the form of a sudden, sharp pain or a low-level ache that lingers. Pay particular attention to pain that is long-lasting and persists even after you’re done eating and drinking. 

Discoloration

When tooth pulp gets damaged or dies, it can show up as a tooth that turns gray or black. The root cause is often poor blood supply to the teeth, which may indicate that a root canal is necessary. If you have dental concerns that may indicate if a root canal is necessary, contact our dental team in Westwood and West Los Angeles today.

Isolated at home with more distractions, but perhaps not enough work, you may find yourself snacking on junk food too much, not getting enough exercise or sleep, biting your nails, feeling depressed, drinking alcohol more than usual, or even smoking. All of these things can lower your oral health, but can be easily counteracted, once you become aware.

Tension may cause you to clench your teeth during the day and you may realize that you grind your teeth while asleep (called bruxism). This will wear away your teeth and perhaps crack them or cause teeth to be lost. Your dentist can create a custom mouth guard to wear at night for protection and you should practice relaxation exercises or meditation:

Temporomandicular Joint Disorder (TMJD) occurs when tension in the jaw causes the joints at the hinge where the lower jaw connects to the upper jaw to become dislocated. This usually results in a popping noise when you open or close your mouth, but other symptoms can be problems chewing, swelling of the side of the face, soreness in the jaw, and headaches. Your dentist can create an orthotic splint that you wear which will keep the jaw in place and we can show you neuromuscular exercises that will help.

Periodontal disease, the infection of the gums and jawbone, can result if you neglect brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing before you go to bed. If you lack energy or feel depressed, you may think it doesn’t matter if you skip this for a day, but that becomes a bad habit and you are likely to get cavities and develop infected gums. If not reversed, you could lose teeth.

Canker sores are mouth ulcers that are often triggered by stress, B-vitamin deficiency due to an inadequate diet, or injury. Your dentist can prescribe a gel to relieve the pain and speed healing time, but reducing stress will also help.

Nail biting due to anxiety can cause teeth to become cracked or misaligned. Putting your fingers in your mouth can also transfer viruses, bacteria, and warts. 

Burning mouth is a dry, hot feeling that may be caused by smoking, drinking, anxiety, or menopause. You may need medication, but de-stressing by talking to someone you trust about your feelings will definitely help.

Call us to set an appointment to have your oral health check-up to be sure you are staying on top of any developing problems, whether due to unusual stress or just daily life.