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Here’s why you don’t need to fear the dentist

Archive for September, 2022



Here’s why you don’t need to fear the dentist

Posted on: September 28th, 2022 by admin

Fear of the dentist is such a common fear it’s practically a movie cliché at this point. It has featured in sitcoms (Seinfeld’s hilarious dentist, Tim Whatley was played by Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, and he was a very scary dentist) and in movies. There have been entire books written on the subject, and the reason is simple: It’s a fear that many people share.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s very possible to overcome your fear of visiting the dentist near Manahawkin – and that’s a good thing, because overcoming that fear will let you get the care you need in order to maintain good oral health!

 

Here’s how to get over your fear of the dentist:

  1. Understand That Your Fears Are Normal

    – You’re not alone in being frightened of going to the dentist. Peter Milgrom, the director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, claims that upwards of 20 percent of U.S. citizens only go to the dentist when it is absolutely necessary to go. They avoid visits at other times due to fear. Up to 8 percent of people don’t go at ALL, with their decision also based in fear. When you understand that it’s normal to feel this way, it will be a good first step towards overcoming those fears.

  1. Get To Know Your Dentist As A Human Being

    – When you visit a dentist near Manahawkin, be sure you try to see them as a person, not as a clinical medical person in scrubs. Chat with them and get to know them. When you recognize that they are someone just like you, with interesting hobbies and families, you will help ease your anxiety.

  1. Book A Few Low-Pressure Appointments –

    Going to the dentist for a simple check-up is a great, low-stress way to get yourself comfortable with dental office visits. Even if you know you’re going to need dental work done, that doesn’t mean you have to get it done right away. Have a low key visit to your Ocean County dental office, get comfortable, , and relax. That will make future visits MUCH easier.

  1. Ask Your Dentist To Educate You

    – A good Ocean County dentist will talk to you before, during and after your appointment. Use this time to ease your fears. Have them tell you exactly what they are doing and how they’re doing it, and have them clarify why they’re doing it, too. Keep in mind, knowledge is power. When you have a better understanding of the process, you will then be more comfortable with it.

  1. Bring A Stress Reliever

    – Stress relief items like smooshy rubber balls can be helpful, so feel free to bring one with you. Your Barnegat dentist will understand! A major part of their job is to help make you comfortable. They want you to be at ease, so if it will help, bring it!

  1. Bring A Friend With You

    – Few things help us face our fears as the buddy system. If you are going in for a dental procedure that makes you a little nervous, ask a friend to come along on your appointment. They can give you the moral support that you’ll need to help get you get through your visit!

Trust us, your dentist wants you to be as relaxed as you can be, so follow this advice to ease your stress levels. Before you know it your dentist visits will feel routine!

Yet Another 30 Wild Facts About Teeth

Posted on: September 21st, 2022 by admin

If you liked our list of 30 crazy facts about teeth and 25 more insane facts about teeth, good news: We have more! The next time you visit your local dental office, try sharing a few of these. The staff will be impressed!

So without further ado, here are some more wild facts we dug up about your pearly whites:

  1. There are over 150 different types of toothpaste currently on the market.
  2. The average person spends 38 days brushing their teeth in their lifetime.
  3. There are over 700 different species of bacteria that live in your mouth.
  4. Your mouth is home to more bacteria than any other part of your body.
  5. 90% of all diseases start in the mouth.
  6. Your saliva is capable of killing bacteria.
  7. Your teeth are as strong as your bones.
  8. Teeth are the only part of the human body that can’t heal themselves.
  9. Cavities are caused by a combination of plaque and acid.
  10. The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
  11. Tooth enamel is harder than steel.
  12. Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints.
  13. You get two sets of teeth in your lifetime – baby teeth and adult teeth.
  14. Milk teeth start to appear around six months old.
  15. Most people have 32 adult teeth by the time they reach adulthood.
  16. The average person will lose 12 teeth in their lifetime.
  17. The oldest human tooth found was over 14,000 years old.
  18. A human embryo’s teeth start to form around six weeks after conception.
  19. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can be eroded by acid.
  20. You should avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages.
  21. You should also avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy.
  22. The first toothbrush was invented in China in 1498. It was made out of hog bristles!
  23. The first toothpaste was invented in Egypt around 5000 years ago. It was made out of ground up bones and ashes.
  24. The first dental school was established in France in 1728.
  25. Dentistry is the fifth oldest profession in the world.
  26. There are over 200 different diseases that can affect the teeth and gums.
  27. The most common type of tooth decay is cavities.
  28. Cavities are caused by a combination of plaque and acid.
  29. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.
  30. Do you have more trivia for us? Let us know in the comments below!

And there you have it, 30 more wild facts about teeth! We hope you learned something new and interesting. Did we miss anything?

And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, be sure to visit your local dentist regularly.

25 More Insane Facts About Teeth

Posted on: September 14th, 2022 by admin

Last week, we shared 30 crazy facts about teeth. We love this sort of trivia, and not just because we’re a dentist near Manahawkin with a staff that thinks about teeth all day. We just find it interesting!

So with that in mind, here are 25 more wild facts we dug up that will help you see teeth in a different way.

  1. Chewing sugar-free gum can help remove food from your teeth and prevent cavities.
  2. Dental floss was invented in 1815 by a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly.
  3. The first toothbrush was invented in China in 1498. It was made out of hog bristles!
  4. The first toothpaste was made in Egypt over 5000 years ago. It was made from a mixture of powdered ashes, water, and vinegar.
  5. The first dental school was established in Baltimore, Maryland in 1840.
  6. In ancient Rome, people used to whiten their teeth with urine.
  7. George Washington’s false teeth were actually made out of human teeth and ivory.
  8. Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife Josephine had very bad breath, which is why he divorced her.
  9. Queen Elizabeth I wore a set of pearls around her neck to cover up the fact that she had only one tooth left!
  10. There are over 3000 different types of toothpicks currently on the market.
  11. 25% of Americans say that they would rather go to the dentist than do their taxes.
  12. The fear of going to the dentist is called Odontophobia.
  13. Dental phobia affects about 15% of Americans.
  14. The average person produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in their lifetime, which is enough to fill two swimming pools!
  15. Your mouth produces more bacteria when you are sleep deprived.
  16. You should brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
  17. There are over 100 different types of gum disease.
  18. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and it is reversible with proper dental care.
  19. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, and it can lead to tooth loss.
  20. Smoking is the leading cause of periodontitis.
  21. Dental implants are the most common type of tooth replacement.
  22. Dental bridges and dentures are also options for tooth replacement.
  23. Wisdom teeth are typically removed because there is not enough room for them in the mouth.
  24. impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to other teeth.
  25. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up.

We hope you learned something new and interesting. Did we miss any important facts? Let us know! And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, be sure to visit your local dentist regularly.

30 Crazy Facts About Teeth

Posted on: September 7th, 2022 by admin

Do you know what the world’s largest teeth are? How about the smallest? What is the toothiest animal on Earth? The staff here at your local dentist office loves this sort of trivia, so let’s answer all of these questions and more! Teeth are a fascinating part of our anatomy, and there is a lot to learn about them. So without further ado, let’s get started!

  1. The world’s largest teeth belong to the blue whale. These massive creatures can have teeth that are up to a foot long!
  2. The smallest teeth in the world belong to a species of rodent known as the pygmy shrew. These tiny animals have teeth that are less than a millimeter in length!
  3. The toothiest animal on Earth is actually not a mammal, but a fish! The lamprey is a type of parasitic fish that can have up to 100 rows of razor-sharp teeth. These teeth are so sharp that they can actually slice through flesh and bone!
  4. Did you know that humans are not the only animals with two sets of teeth? Baby sharks actually have three sets of teeth! They lose their first set of teeth before they are even born, and then they lose their second set of teeth as they grow older.
  5. The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your entire body.
  6. There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on Earth.
  7. Most people have 32 permanent teeth, but some people can have up to 42 or more.
  8. humans have fewer teeth than most animals. For example, elephants have 36 molars (that’s six per quadrant).
  9. Your tongue is the strongest muscle in your body.
  10. A toothpick is the most common item found on beach clean-ups.
  11. It takes about 50 years for a tooth to decompose in landfill.
  12. Every day, 200 million people brush their teeth worldwide.
  13. There are over 300 different types of bacteria that live in your mouth.
  14. The average person spends 38. five days brushing their teeth over their lifetime.
  15. The first ever dental surgery was performed in 1498!
  16. more than 25% of the world’s population does not have access to basic dental care.
  17. less than half of Americans floss daily even though it is recommended by dentists.
  18. Sugar isn’t the only thing that causes cavities. Starch can also lead to tooth decay.
  19. The enamel on your teeth is thinner than a sheet of paper.
  20. You should brush your tongue as well as your teeth to keep your mouth healthy.
  21. brushing too hard can actually damage your gums and wear down the enamel on your teeth.
  22. The bristles on your toothbrush should be soft in order to avoid damaging your gums.
  23. You should replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.
  24. There are over 600 different types of bacteria that live in plaque.
  25. Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to keeping your teeth clean.
  26. Plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if it is not removed.
  27. You should floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  28. The best time to floss is at night before you go to bed.
  29. Water picks are a great alternative to flossing, and they can be used on the go.
  30. Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath at the same time.

These are just some of the many interesting facts about teeth! Did we miss any that you know of? Let us know during your next visit to your dental office in Ocean County.