The following are some concerns that many people have about going to the dentist and dental care:

• What can I do about being scared? Dental anxiety is being nervous before or during a dental visit. This can make going to the dentist a difficult experience. You can take steps to limit your anxiety, such as explaining your fears to the dentist and setting up a system of hand signals.

• Do I need teeth whitening? Teeth whitening uses a bleaching product or an abrasive to make teeth whiter.Teeth whitening is not a medical procedure-it does not result in healthier teeth-but it can result in a brighter smile. This in turn can make people feel better about themselves. Teeth whitening works better for some types of stains than others, so talk to your dentist about whether it is right for you and about the products and procedures available.

• Do older adults have any special concerns? Concerns of older adults include dentures and trouble brushing.

Dental procedures

The following are some concerns about what might happen at the dentist's office:

• Will a routine visit hurt? If you go to the dentist regularly and take good care of your teeth, there will probably be no pain. If this is your first visit in a long time, or you do not take good care of your teeth and gums, there may be some irritation as the dentist cleans the spaces between your teeth and between your teeth and gums.

• Will I need a filling? A filling is a substance that dentists use to replace a decayed or broken portion of a tooth. You often need a filling to fix a cavity. Whether you need a filling depends on how well you take care of your teeth. If you brush and floss on a regular basis and limit how much sugar you eat, chances are you won't need a filling.

• Will I need dental X-rays? Dental X-rays can identify cavities, bone disease, and infections and help in planning orthodontic treatment. In children, they can also identify when new teeth are coming in. X-rays can help your dentist find problems at an early stage, which can save you time, money, and unnecessary pain or discomfort. You and your dentist will set up an X-ray schedule based on your needs.

Children

The following are some concerns aboutdental care for children:

• How can I make a trip to the dentist enjoyable for my child? A visit to the dentist can be a scary thing for children. You can reduce this possibility by choosing your dentist carefully and preparing your child for his or her first visit. Most importantly, don't communicate your own fears to your child.

• How do I brush my child's teeth? It is important to start brushing and flossing your child's teeth when they first come in. This keeps your child's teeth and gums healthy and provides a good model for what he or she will do in the future.

• Will my child need fluoride? Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Pediatric dentists recommend that you start to use a very small amount (a smear) of fluoride toothpaste on your baby's toothbrush as soon as your baby's teeth start to come in. Normal amounts of fluoride added to public water supplies and bottled water are also safe for children and adults. If your child needs extra fluoride, your dentist may recommend a supplement, or a gel or varnish that he or she would apply to your child's teeth. Use supplements only as directed. And keep them out of reach of your child. Too much fluoride can be toxic and can stain a child's teeth.

Note: Fluoride is safe in the amounts provided in water supplies but can be toxic in large amounts. Toxic levels depend on your child's weight. A lethal dose of fluoride for a 3-year-old child is 500 mg and is even less for a younger child or infant. Keep all products containing fluoride, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, away from children. If you think your child may have swallowed too much fluoride, call your local poison control center or the National Poison Control Hot line right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com

www.oakcreekdental.com