Dental anxiety linked to poor self-confidence and can lead to social isolation

 

Most of us don’t love going to the dentist, but for a surprisingly high number of patients – the Oral Health Foundation estimates that approximately 10 million adults in the UK suffer from dental anxiety to some degree – it can develop into a dental phobia that prevents them from seeking treatment even if they are suffering extreme problems with their teeth.

dental anxiety

Now, a new study published in the International Dental Journal has revealed the true impact that dental anxiety has on sufferers. The issue extends beyond your oral health and, in fact, it can negatively affect social wellbeing such as income and education and will typically extend into the next generation.

Dealing with dental phobia

A few years ago, a study published in the British Dental Journal evaluated the use of cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT. Twenty-one patients with severe dental phobia underwent CBT and twenty of them were able to undergo dental treatment without sedation.  For patients that are unable to undergo this approach, choosing a dental practice that is experienced with treating nervous patients is key.

At CK Dental in Bristol, we are skilled at putting nervous patients at ease. Our approach is as follows:

  • An informed patient is a confident patient: we discuss all aspects of your treatment and what you can expect every step of the way as we find that patients are less nervous if they are fully informed
  • Pain-free dentistry: no dental procedure should be painful and we use pain relief and local anaesthetic injections to ensure the experience is pain-free
  • Conscious sedation is an option: carried out by our consultant anaesthetist, the patient is semi-conscious, so they are completely comfortable and relaxed throughout their procedure.

At CK Dental, we differ from other private dental clinics in the UK as we can also offer patients the option of having dental procedures performed under general anaesthetic. This can only be performed within a hospital environment and CK Dental is located in the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, so you have all the assurance of a state-of the-art facility combined with our expert care.

To find out more about our approach to dental phobia, call us on 0117 906 4868 to arrange a consultation.

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UK scientists find a way to regenerate tooth enamel

dental erosion treatment BristolTooth wear is on the rise in the UK with over three-quarters of adults and 50 per cent of children showing some signs or erosion or abrasion. Tooth enamel is the hardest structure in the body, even harder than bone. It coats our teeth, protecting the sensitive dentine layer underneath and it can become eroded gradually as the result of acid attack.

As well as aesthetic changes to the teeth, enamel erosion can lead to increased sensitivity to taste and temperature and also puts sufferers at increased risk of tooth decay. Up till now, it’s not been possible to reverse enamel erosion, but researchers at Queen Mary University of London have recently developed an innovative way to regenerate lost dental enamel.

The scientists found a protein that triggers the growth of crystals similar to the way that dental enamel develops in the body. “This is exciting because the simplicity and versatility of the mineralisation platform opens up opportunities to treat and regenerate dental tissues,” Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, a dentist and part of the team, explains

This discovery could have many applications in regenerative medicine and be of huge importance for modern dentistry. However, in the meantime, preventative measures remain the most effective solution to dental erosion.

How do I prevent dental erosion?

Every time you eat or drink anything acidic, it attacks the enamel on your teeth, causing your teeth to become softer until your saliva restores the natural balance in your mouth. Over time and if this acid attack happens too often then this repair process becomes less effective and enamel becomes eroded. Medical conditions such as alcoholism, bulimia or oesophageal problems which cause vomiting or release of acids into the mouth from the stomach can all increase the risk of enamel erosion.

Here are our tips on how to prevent enamel erosion:

  • Fizzy drinks can be highly acidic and should be limited to mealtimes to reduce the number of acid attacks on the teeth
  • Don’t be fooled by diet or healthy options – even flavoured fizzy water can cause dental erosion over time as they contain weak acids
  • Many sports drinks also contain ingredients that contribute to dental erosion
  • Limit highly acidic foods and drinks such as fruit and fruit juices, particularly citric juices as they contain high levels of natural acids
  • Using a straw can reduce contact on the teeth
  • Certain foods and drinks can help cancel out acid attacks such as cheese and milk
  • Chewing sugar-free gum after your meals can stimulate saliva production
  • Don’t brush teeth immediately after eating or drinking as it gives your teeth a chance to harden
  • A fluoride toothpaste and/or mouthwash should be used

Regular check-ups are also an essential aspect of prevention as erosion can be spotted at an early stage and treatment provided, in the form of a filling or crown, if required. Call Bristol dentist CK Dental on 0117 906 4868 to arrange a check-up today.

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