Using music to manage dental anxiety

by Cierra Eaton |

Every time I told someone that I wanted to be a dentist, the most common response I received was, “No offense, but I hate dentists.” But why do people fear the dentist? Dental anxiety is a very common problem that may cause patients to avoid making regular visits to the dentist. Patients with dental anxiety have been shown to have a higher risk of periodontal disease and subsequently, tooth loss from delayed treatment. Common symptoms of dental anxiety include loss of sleep before the appointment, nervousness, crying, nausea, trouble breathing or panic attacks. With this in mind, how can dentists help reduce that anxiety and stress for the sake of their patients’ well-being?

I’m a music lover, so I definitely plan to have music playing in my future dental practice. For me, any genre of music can help reduce my stress levels, yet I often find myself gravitating towards “easy listening” music for this purpose. This observation raises an interesting question: can playing a certain style of music subconsciously ease a patient’s dental anxiety? Studies have shown that music can be used to lower blood pressure, reduce pain, relieve anxiety, and influence mood. This suggests that dentists can use music to their patients’ benefit, rather than simply for enjoyment.

Classical music has been shown in many studies to be one of the most relaxing styles of music. A 2011 systematic review published in the JBI Library of Systematic Reviews examining the effectiveness of of musical intervention on dental anxiety found that patients exposed to soothing piano music prior to treatment reported statistically significant lower intraoperative dental anxiety scores. A 2008 study published in the Medscape Journal of Medicine also found that patients listening to slow movements of Mozart’s piano sonatas exhibited a reduction in systemic stress hormone levels, which was subsequently associated with a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. While the exact physiological mechanisms of how this occurs still require further investigation, it is suggested that music serves to engage cognitive attention, which can distract patients from pain.

All types of music can be used to help reduce pain and dental anxiety, but classical and soothing, piano music have specifically been found to reduce intraoperative tension, blood pressure and heart rate. So, next time you are treating a patient with dental anxiety, consider giving your patient a few moments to listen to soothing classical music, or even their favorite tunes, to feel more comfortable in the chair. If anything, this small gesture can go a long way in building more harmony in your patient-provider relationship.

~Cierra Eaton, Missouri-Kirksville ’18

---

Sources:

Using music to manage dental anxiety. (2016, May 13). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from http://www.asdablog.com/musical-management-of-dental-anxiety

5 Ways to Fresher Breath in the Morning

5 Ways to Fresher Breath in the Morning

Love waking up to the smell of coffee? Think twice before you reach for a cup! Your daily dose of Joe — and other habits that can easily escape your notice — could be giving you a bad case of morning breath. But fear not! Bad breath, or "halitosis", doesn't have to ruin your day. Nip the problem in the (taste)buds by giving these simple tips a try:

1. Cut the caffeine.

Coffee isn't the only beverage in town that can leave your breath less than fresh. Gulping down certain teas and energy drinks for a morning buzz may result in bad breath if they contain caffeine, which can inhibit the production of saliva. When the mouth is too dry, it allows oral bacteria, the main purveyor of halitosis, to flourish. To jumpstart the mind and body without this unpleasant side effect, turn to morning stretches and a refreshing smoothie or citrus-infused water instead. If you have to consume caffeinated beverages, be sure to hydrate with multiple glasses of water.

2. Stop smoking.

Besides putting you at risk for lung cancer, smoking cigarettes can stain your teeth and cause your breath to smell bad, dealing your oral health a double whammy. From the combustion of chemical additives to the tiny smoke particles left in your throat and lungs, it's almost inevitable that your breath ends up tasting and smelling stale. If you feel the urge to take a puff in the morning, distract yourself by doing light chores, or going for a quick walk. Obviously, a smoking habit may cause a more chronic breath problem, so quitting cigarettes and other forms of tobacco is your best bet for a more permanent solution.

3. Don't skip breakfast.

Pass on the coffee and cigarettes, but eat breakfast — and a nutritious one at that! After a long night's sleep, your mouth could benefit from a boost in saliva production, and a good meal is the perfect way to do it. Grab an apple for its high water content and crunchiness, both of which can help cut down on odor-causing bacteria. Yogurt and eggs can also promote saliva production while giving you a healthy serving of calcium and vitamin D. Get creative, but be selective, as some of your favorite breakfast foods may include not-so-breath-friendly ingredients such as garlic or onions.

4. Do a better job of brushing and flossing.

You're running late, but if there's one thing you shouldn't rush, it's your morning dental routine. From stuck food particles to gingivitis and even nasty tonsil stones, it all adds up to one major case of halitosis if left unchecked. For mornings where standard brushing and flossing doesn't seem to do the trick, get a deeper clean by scraping the gunk off your tongue and gargling with mouthwash. If you find yourself flying out the door and forgetting about your oral hygiene frequently, keep a travel-sized dental kit in your bag or at the office for convenience.

5. Check (and change) your sleeping habits.

More often than not, bad breath is noticeable the moment you wake up. The problem may not be what you eat or drink, or even how your brush and floss. Instead, it could be how you breathe during your sleep. Breathing orally throughout the night can quickly turn your mouth into a haven for oral bacteria, resulting in a parched sensation and an unpleasant odor. Depending on the severity of the situation, your dentist may recommend surgery, but something as simple as having a glass of water, sugar-free lozenge, or a humidifier on hand at night can help keep your mouth moist.

Let Your Dentist Have a Look

In some cases, morning breath that persists despite your efforts to remedy it may signal something more serious, from cavities and tooth infections, to diabetes and liver and kidney problems. Play it safe by seeing your dentist. He or she can help you determine and treat the root cause more efficiently, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan to rid yourself of the problem for good.

7 Surprising Foods That Are Staining Your Teeth

7 Surprising Foods That Are Staining
Your Teeth

Wine, coffee and tea–it's the trifecta of tooth-staining foods that almost everyone knows to avoid in order to protect their pearly whites. These beverages, however, are just the beginning of a long list of foods that can sabotage your smile, and chances are that many are flying undetected right under your very nose! From condiments to candy, put these sneaky offenders on your radar to keep tooth discoloration at bay.

Common Tooth-Staining Foods

1. Tomato-Based Meals
The high acidity level of tomatoes coupled with their bright red color can pack quite the punch on the enamel of your teeth. From your mom's homemade spaghetti sauce or soup, or your favorite brand of ketchup, constant exposure to even the smallest of doses can be damaging.

2. Curries
As rich in color as they are in flavor, many spice blends rank high in staining power, due to brightly colored ingredients such as turmeric and saffron. Over time, their pigments can leave a yellowish tint on your teeth.

3. Dark Sauces
Whether it's food infused with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or other dark liquid, you can bet that eating enough of it will also dim your smile. If it's the base of your meal, there's a definite risk to the enamel of your teeth, but even side dips can be just as harmful because they are often more concentrated.

4. Clear Soda
Dark sodas already get a lot of notoriety for discoloring teeth, but don't switch to clear soda just yet! While its lighter color can make it seem like the better choice for those who love soda, it's still high in sugars that can eat away at tooth enamel and leave them prone to staining.

5. Fruit Juices and Berries
Fruit is undeniably nutritious, and many juices now come with no sugar added, but fructose is still a form of sugar, and it is bad news for tooth enamel. In fact, the darker color of certain fruits and juices–such as blueberry or grape–can have a staining effect similar to wine.

6. Sports Drinks
Because their makers often do a masterful job of promoting rehydration and electrolyte replacement, it's easy to overlook the sugar content and bright, fluorescent colors. Similar to soda and fruit juice, however, both the pigment and sugary nature of these drinks can leave your teeth less than white in no time.

7. Hard Candies and Popsicles
If they can turn your tongue into a rainbow of colors in a matter of seconds, just think of what they can do to your teeth! Even if consumed occasionally, prolonged sucking puts the surface of your teeth in direct contact with sugar, acid and dye–resulting in tooth decay as well as discoloration.

Tips To Prevent Tooth Staining

Cutting out many of these problem foods can go a long way in keeping your smile sparkling, but it may be unrealistic to avoid certain foods completely. Here's how you can help protect your teeth from sugary, acidic and/or colorful food:

• Eat thoroughly, but quickly to minimize any contact with the tooth's surface
• Use a straw to help bypass most of your teeth when drinking beverages
• Drink plenty of water during and after meals to wash away food particles
• Brush and floss your teeth after meals to help prevent stains from setting in
• Use whitening toothpaste to help remove stains and keep teeth sparkling

Professional Treatment Options

In addition to practicing good hygiene and being more mindful about your diet choices, professional dental care can do wonders in keeping your smile bright. Seeing your dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup can help prevent and detect tooth staining, and there are many cosmetic whitening procedures that can remedy existing discoloration, whether mild or severe. Schedule a visit with your dentist for the optimal treatment plan for you.

---

Sources:

7 Foods That Are Secretly Staining Your Teeth. (2014, Feb. 7). Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/foods-that-stain-teeth

Foods and Habits That Stain Your Teeth. (2009, Nov. 10). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/foods-stain-teeth-feature?page=2

Lee, Robert. (2014, October 24). 7 Foods and Drinks that are Staining Your Teeth. Retrieved June 2, 2015, from http://esteemdental.com/7-foods-drinks-staining-teeth/

Mystery Solved: The Story on Canker Sores

Mystery Solved: The Story on Canker Sores

Canker sores are quite literally a sensitive issue, but someone has to talk about it! What are canker sores (or "stomatitis"), why do they appear, and what can be done about them? Anyone who's ever had mouth sores can attest to the fact that they are just as embarrassing as they are painful, but simply suffering through them does you no good. Get the facts on this common problem to take control of the situation before another outbreak.

How to Tell If It's a Canker Sore

Because they are similar in name and can appear within fairly close proximity of each other, canker sores are often confused with cold sores. An easy way to tell the difference right off the bat is by checking to see if it's on the inside or outside of your mouth. Cold sores, which are viral and highly contagious in nature, will appear outside of the mouth, on or close to the lip area. Canker sores, on the other hand, are not contagious and emerge along the insides of your cheeks, gums and the roof of your mouth. If you spot an inflammation with a white center and red border inside your mouth, and it causes sensitivity or soreness when talking or eating, it's most likely a canker sore.

What Causes Canker Sores

Considering that stomatitis is often chronic, those who experience canker sores due to an injury, or eating something overly acidic, might actually consider themselves lucky. Otherwise, recurring flare-ups can be expected, especially if your case is connected to underlying conditions such as:

·  Stress	·  Menstruation	·  HIV & Other Blood Disorders
·  Food Allergies	·  Crohn's Disease	·  Lupus
·  Genetics	·  Immune Disorders	·  Fatigue
·  Orthodontic Treatment	·  Vitamin Deficiencies	·  Chemotherapy

It is also worth noting that canker sores tend to be more common in teens, young adults and women.

Ways to Ease the Pain

On average, canker sores usually last between 7 and 10 days. While there is no way to rid yourself of a canker sore once it emerges, there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate the discomfort until it heals, such as:

• Try an over-the-counter gel or painkiller for immediate relief
• Steer clear of spicy, acidic and/or hot foods to avoid aggravating open sores
• Rinse with water or mouthwash regularly to keep the sores free of food particles
• Brush and floss with extra care to prevent unnecessary contact and/or added trauma

Understanding what caused the outbreak can also help you take preventative measures to minimize the chance of future flare-ups. If sores are food or allergy related, for example, simply steering clear of triggers can keep stomatitis at bay.

When Professional Care is Necessary

If painful sores persist past the ten-day period, are over a half-inch wide, and/or are accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, joint pain, rashes or fever, see a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your situation, he or she may prescribe medication, surgery, or recommend diagnostic tests. Even if your symptoms are mild, a dental exam can help rule out serious health concerns that could be causing the problem, and give you peace of mind.

---

Sources:

Canker Sore. (2015, March 19). Retrieved June 1, 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/causes/con-20021262

Canker Sores: Causes and Treatments. (2009). Retrieved June 1, 2015 from https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/canker-sores.html

Fact or Fiction? Five Popular Tooth Myths Debunked

Forget the tooth fairy! Far too many tales are being told about teeth and it's time to clear the air. Popular claims that range from scary to wacky and everything in between are about to be debunked. Find out if you've been acting on bad advice.

1. "White teeth are healthy teeth."

Pearlier does not necessarily mean healthier. In some instances, extremely white teeth can signal a lack of calcium or an excessive intake of fluorides. Whitening ingredients integrated in many toothpaste and mouthwash products can also create the image of perfection, but don't let your brighter smile deceive you. Just beyond the surface may lurk cavities, gum disease and other dental issues.

2. "Pregnant women should hold off on dental care until after the baby is born."

On the contrary, getting regular professional dental care, if not increasing the number of visits, is strongly encouraged during this time. According to the American Dental Association, pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis, a condition caused by an infection of the gums that can result in bleeding, sensitivity and loss of tooth support. "Pregnancy tumors", or mulberry-shaped lumps between the teeth can also emerge, although they are non-cancerous. They should go away after pregnancy, but can also be removed by an aesthetician. Pregnant women should be sure to inform their dentist of their pregnancy so treatment plans can be adjusted accordingly. Certain procedures and medications may be tabled to avoid any risks to the baby's health.

3. "Food that is too hot or cold will crack your teeth."

Yes, cracks or "craze lines" can be a result of extreme temperature changes absorbed by your teeth, but these are typically too shallow to pose a major threat to your oral health. If you do spot a crack, it's always wise to have a dentist look at it; in the rare instance that the crack is a deep one, chewing can cause it to widen and expose sensitive nerves.

4. "Don't worry too much about brushing baby teeth, because they fall out anyway."

Yes, baby teeth eventually fall out — but passing poor dental habits on to your child can cause a lifetime of oral health problems. Teaching your child to brush and floss regularly can save him or her from painful cavities and gum disease now and in the future.

5. "Bleaching your teeth is bad for you."

Nowadays, in-office bleaching services use PH neutral solutions that are perfectly safe for your teeth. The treatment may cause tooth sensitivity, but only temporarily. If anything, it is the popular whitening trays bought over the counter that may prove problematic; prolonged immersion of the teeth in highly concentrated gels can cause lasting trauma. There is always a chance that an element of truth exists in the things you hear, but unless the advice comes from your dentist, don't let it impact your approach to oral care. Get a professional opinion on dental matters or questions that interest you during your next appointment, or if you're pressed for time, call your dentist for immediate clarification.

---

Sources: Borreli, L. (2014, October 10). Oral Hygiene: 6 Dental Care Myths That May Be killing Your Pearly Whites.Retrieved June 1, 2015 from http://www.medicaldaily.com/oral-hygiene-6-dental-care-myths-may-be-killing-your-pearly-whites-306697 Davis, H. (n.d.). 8 Popular Tooth Myths Debunked. Retrieved June 1, 2015 at http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/g1249/8-popular-tooth-myths-debunked/

Oral Health and Myth

A New York Dental Office, we are regularly asked questions about oral health, and some of the things we hear are based on myth rather than reality. It is normal for dental myths to circulate throughout the community, but a few can lead to unhealthy habits, so it is important to visit our dental office to ask questions if you have them. This way, we can make sure you are armed with the correct information that can lead to healthy teeth and gums. In the meantime, here are some truths you should know.

Myth #1: Natural sugar is not bad for your teeth.

The Truth – All sugar is bad for your teeth. Whether it is found in fruit juice, honey, etc., the more sugar and starch that you eat and drink, the more likely you are to get cavities. We recommend that you brush your teeth after eating and rinse your mouth after drinking juice, milk, or anything else high in sugar.

Myth #2: Baby teeth do not matter since they are going to fall out anyway.

The Truth – Baby teeth are incredibly important. We encourage parents to take care of their children’s baby teeth by brushing and flossing them on a daily basis and visiting our dental office for a professional cleaning once or twice a year. This allows us to keep their teeth healthy and cavity-free. Remember that your child’s teeth will hurt if they get a cavity, just like it would if you got a cavity. Taking care of them is not optional if you want to keep your children healthy and comfortable.

Myth #3: If my gums bleed, I should avoid brushing them.

The Truth – Gums that bleed typically do so because of gum disease. Yes, you can irritate your gums by brushing too aggressively, but if you are applying steady pressure, they should be fine. Brushing them is a way to help them return to better health because any plaque that is presently irritating them needs to be removed. If they continue to bleed, visit our office for a dental examination and deep cleaning.

Myth #4: Hard toothbrushes are the best for your teeth.

The Truth – It is easy to understand why it would seem like hard toothbrushes are the best. In truth, they can damage your teeth. Aggressive brushing can lead to erosion, and when the enamel erodes, it will not grow back. When too much of it is lost, you could have sensitive teeth that can only be helped with another dental procedure, such as the placing of a dental crown or a bonding procedure. To protect your teeth and keep them clean, we recommend using a soft or electronic toothbrush. By brushing with even pressure for two minutes at a time, you can get your teeth sparkling clean without the risk of being too aggressive.

We invite you to call New York Dental Office and schedule an appointment to ask all your oral health questions at 212-838-6226. This way, you can receive the information you need for lifelong oral health while making sure you are not operating under any dental myths.

Dental veneers in have made their mark on the world of cosmetic dentistry

Dental veneers in have made their mark on the world of cosmetic dentistry by providing customers with a great way to replace tooth enamel that has become damaged, discolored, or otherwise unattractive. For many people, this is a long-term solution since the veneer will be cemented in place and hence is not something that can be removed very easily. As a result, many of our patients want to know how long dental veneers typically last without needing to be repaired or replaced. The answer to this question is usually at least 10 years, but there are a sufficient number of factors that come in to play, which can influence that number in either direction. There have been numerous studies on this exact issue as many cosmetic and other dentists want a clear answer on how long their patients can expect dental veneers to last. One study conducted on the longevity of dental veneers found the following. In 96 percent of the participants, we found the veneers lasted a minimum of five to six years. This group was overlapped with a second group of 93 percent, whose dental veneers lasted between 10 and 11 years. A third significant group found that their dental veneers lasted between 12 and 13 years, accounting for 91 percent of the studied population. After 13 years, we found a small drop off in longevity, with only 71 percent of the participants reporting that their dental veneers lasted between 15 and 16 years. Even with these kinds of odds, it is relatively safe to say that your dental veneers will last at least 10 years as long as you take good care of them. When considering dental veneers, in terms of longevity, it is important to look at the whole picture. This means that you have to be willing to understand that there is a great deal of human interference that can cause the veneers to fail earlier than they should. The two leading causes of failure, as recorded in studies, have a direct correlation with how people treat their teeth. Teeth are not tools and should not be used as such, since treating them in this calloused manner can damage the enamel and cause the dental veneer to fracture or crack. We have found that in more than 45 percent of cases where the dental veneer failed, there was a fracture involved. This means that the person was doing something with their teeth that they should not have been or were placing undue pressure on the tooth. Additionally, there is 28 percent of dental veneers that failed because they had a crack, again a manifestation of some kind of physical trauma placed on the veneers. It is up to you, as the user, to ensure that you are not putting undue pressure on either your teeth or your dental veneers. The other area where you can impact how long your dental veneers last is by making sure that you have great oral hygiene. In up to 20 percent of cases, we find that bad oral hygiene leads to veneer loss.