Tag: appointment

Dental Anxiety? Have no fear!

Feb, 22, 2019

We’ve told you about Bruxism (teeth-grinding) and the broader effects of TMJ, but there’s another type of anxiety that can have unwanted impacts on your mouth. Dental fear or phobia is a very real condition. Between 10 to 15 percent of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety, according to an article on Colgate.com. In another study, one-third of adults who didn’t regularly see a dentist were skipping due to fear.

Fear is usually an irrational reaction that can be managed. But in the case of dental anxiety the consequences can be serious. Even those who brush and floss regularly may miss the early formation of cavities, which can lead to root canals if left untreated. Many of the periodontal diseases we’ve told you about have early warning signs that only our trained dentists and hygienists can spot. While they can be serious, these conditions are often easily prevented – but only if you know you have one (or more!) of them.

Signs of Stress

Recognizing that you have dental anxiety is fairly simple. Answering the following questions can help identify an unwarranted fear.

Do you:

Feel uneasy, nervous, or sick to your stomach before your appointment?
Have trouble sleeping the night before?
Feel embarrassed to have someone looking closely at your teeth?
Worry what problems your dentist might discover?
Avoid seeing a dentist, maybe even for years between visits?

We Can Help

All of these situations are common for people who have some degree of dental anxiety. The first step is to talk to us about it. Whether on the phone, through a secure web message, or even in-person, we will do whatever it takes to make you confortable before you set an appointment. We have a variety of options for managing your fear, up to and including nitrous oxide and/or a mild sedative.

At Meyer & Johns Dental, we believe that your oral health is too important to ignore – whatever the reason. Connect with us today to start down the path of easing your dental anxiety, and getting back on track to a healthy mouth!

Revenge of the Peeps – Winning the holiday candy battle

Apr, 17, 2017

brushing teeth fights candy residue — *Holidays like Easter are great times to reinforce healthy brushing habits with children.*

According to CNBC, Easter barely edged out Halloween in 2016 as the most candy-ful holiday in the U.S., with $823 million in sales. But if you’re a parent, all the numbers boil down to one thing – your little one probably has jellybeans and marshmallow Peeps stuck in their tiny teeth this week.

Easter is a great opportunity to teach or reinforce good brushing habits with your kids. It’s also good time to establish expectations about consuming candy and sweets. This is important for not just their dental health, but also for overall nutrition and healthy eating habits.

Too Early?

Parents can begin brushing from the appearance of baby’s first teeth. You should continue to brush and/or supervise the child’s daily mouth care routine until they are ready for elementary school. The American Dental Association recommends that by the time your child can tie their own shoes, they should also be able to brush and floss their teeth by themselves.

Some standard guidelines for brushing kids’ teeth;

Children should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and not swallow it
Clean all tooth surfaces – inside, outside, and tops – all the way to the gum line
Brush gently, back and forth
Don’t forget to brush that tongue!

You can begin flossing and letting children help brush their own teeth at around age four. Of course, you should supervise and help form healthy brushing habits from the beginning. Additionally, candy-heavy holidays like Easter, Halloween and Christmas are the perfect opportunity to teach kids where, when and how much candy its appropriate to consume.

If you need additional tips or help teaching your kids how to brush their teeth, let us know in the message section when you schedule your next check-up.

Hate to Wait? Same Day Crowns at Meyer & Johns.

May, 25, 2016

Let’s face it; no one likes to wait—especially if it’s for a medical procedure.

At Meyer & Johns, we do our best to address the needs of our patients in a timely manner. That’s why we are pleased to offer Same Day Crowns.

To accommodate a crown, the tooth usually must be reduced in size. Then, a cast is made of the tooth for an impression, which is then sent to a special lab where the crown is made. Some cases require a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being manufactured. However, Same Day Crowns are available if one is a viable option for your needs.

Same Day Crowns are most often used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure or when decay in a tooth is so advanced that portions of the tooth must be removed.

Crowns look natural in appearance and are an excellent way to restore the aesthetics of discolored or stained teeth.

Unlike veneers, which are typically applied to small areas, crowns are placed over the top of the tooth and are quite durable, lasting up to a decade with proper dental care and hygiene.

If you have teeth that are discolored, cracked or chipped, don’t wait. Contact Meyer & Johns, today for more information on Same Day Crowns and all of our cosmetic dentistry services.

Take the Bad Out of Breath

May, 18, 2016

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. There are a number of causes of bad breath as well as some simple solutions.

First, bad breath is a nuisance, embarrassing and can limit or inhibit your interaction with others. However, bad breath can also be a sign of health problems. So, chronic bad breath is not to be ignored.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush regularly causes bacteria to grow inside the mouth. This not only causes bad breath, but also leads to cavities and other dental problems. Brush and floss at least twice a day, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Keep a toothbrush at work or school so it’s handy to brush after lunch. After brushing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is another good way to freshen breath and keep your mouth healthy.

Because bad breath can be a warning sign of other health issues, regular dental checkups and cleanings are extremely important. During the exam and routine cleaning, your dentist can check for gum disease, plaque build up and other potential problems.

Certain health conditions or bad habits can also cause bad breath. For example, smoking and chewing tobacco are both extremely dangerous habits—contributing to not only bad breath, but also serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Other health conditions such as acid reflux, sinus infections and dry mouth are common causes of bad breath.

If you’re suffering from halitosis, and want to do something about the bad in your breath, start with making an appointment for a check up, today.