Dads, Be Brave!

Dads, Be Brave!

 

Want your kids to be friendly and fear free at the dentist? It is up to you, Dads!  A new study reveals that parent’s attitude towards oral health and dental visits predict how their children will react in the same situations.  It is a good thing Dr. Doug Heller is a periodontist, his two kids will have some bright oral health futures.  

The University of Madrid conducted a study comparing the views of children versus their parents when it comes to visiting dental offices like Periodontal Associates. Participants included 183 children between the ages of 7 and 12.  Forty-three experimental studies from across six continents were also included in this review. 

The majority of studies confirmed a relationship between parental and child dental fear. This relationship is most evident in children aged 8 and under.  The study then concluded that, yes, there is an association between parental and child dental fear.  This is good to know as many people have anxiety and negative thoughts about dental work, and if we know where it begins, then Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman and others can put a stop to the fear.

América Lara Sacido, one of the authors of the study, said that “along with the presence of emotional transmission of dentist fear amongst family members, we have identified the relevant role that fathers play in transmission of this phobia in comparison to the mother.” 

More so than mothers, fathers sway their children in how to react to the dentist.  In fact, the reaction from their dad will often over shadow the mother’s regardless if it is negative or positive.  

 “Although the results should be interpreted with due caution, children seem to mainly pay attention to the emotional reactions of the fathers when deciding if situations at the dentist are potentially stressful,” said Lara Sacido.

To help this cycle, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman strongly suggest finding a steady, primary dental provider that the entire family can bond with and trust like Periodontal Associates.  Then, both parents should be active in the children’s dental appointments to assure they will be in good hands.   Anxiety is a strong consequence of trips to the dentist office; however, as the industry advances routine dental procedures are becoming more and more comfortable.

 “Through the positive emotional contagion route in the family, the right attitude can be achieved in the child so that attending the dentist is not a problem.”

Need a dentist to trust? Call Periodontal Associates today as Dr. Versman, Dr.Heller, and Dr. Beckman are the best doctors in Denver! We provide dental implants, gum grafts, bone grafts, treat gum disease, and even provide regular hygiene cleaning appointments.  Our patients travel from all over Denver, CO to see our specialists here in Aurora,CO, and some of our patients have even been with us for over 35 years!  We can be reached by call (303) 755-4500 or by clicking this link.  Visit our website for more information about common dental practices and more about Periodontal Associates.

 

Brushing and Enamel Erosion

So I'm going to tell you something that you may not have ever heard coming from a dentist before: It's possible to brush your teeth too often! Yes, you read that right. We see patients in our office who are overly zealous about brushing their teeth and have actually started to erode their enamel.

Enamel erosion can contribute to gum disease when plaque buildup at the base of the tooth causes the tooth to move away from the gumline. This creates and environment that is prime for the development of gingivitis.

So back to brushing your teeth. I'm not going to tell you it's not important and crucial to your overall dental health. It is! But brushing immediately after a meal, as most of us have been taught since childhood, can damage enamel because saliva produces an acidic substance to help you begin the digestive process when you eat. Ideally, you should brush your teeth about 30 minutes after meals so that the acid has had a chance to neutralize. We encourage our patients to brush thoroughly but gently with soft-bristle brushes or electric toothbrushes instead of scrubbing away with hard bristles - also a practice that can contribute to enamel erosion. Brushing your teeth six or seven times a day can also lead to potential problems down the road. If you think you're brushing too much, talk to your dentist. Practicing good oral hygiene today can prevent costly visits to the gum doctors tomorrow!

A New Perspective on Anxiety

You'd be amazed at how many of our new patients tell us they experience some form of anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist - particularly a practice like ours that specializes in implants and other more "invasive" procedures like bone regeneration and restoration. We get it. We understand that going to the dentist is not something most people look forward to. And we know that dental anxiety is real. But we want to help alleviate that anxiety so our patients can get the treatment that they need without extra stress and tension.

There are a variety of widely accepted coping mechanisms to assist with dental anxiety. These tips and techniques are derived from an understanding of some of the root causes of anxiety and can be implemented at our office at any time. You should never be afraid to speak up and tell your dentist or periodontist that you are uncomfortable or nervous about the procedure so steps can be taken to ensure you have a positive experience.

We understand dental anxiety and fear - and we have a large percentage of patients who experience some degree of nervousness about their appointments and treatments. It's a very common phenomenon and we encourage you to notify us of any concerns when you make your appointment. It's nothing we haven't heard before - and our first priority is you, the patient, and our commitment to making sure you have healthy teeth and gums for years to come!

 

3 Surprising Teeth Stainers

Learn which liquids may damage your enamel, create protein build-up and more 

Photo: © Shutterstock

When it comes to less-than-pearly whites, coffee’s not the only culprit. Watch out for these little-known teeth tainters, says Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, a spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry:

White Wine
It’s actually more acidic than red—and acid breaks down tooth enamel, making it more likely to absorb color from food or drinks. That means if you drink white wine while enjoying, say, a plate of berries, your teeth are at risk. No need to nix the vino entirely; just alternate with sips of water to avoid unsightly marks.

Orange Juice
Also acidic, it’s especially damaging when paired with a dark beverage (like coffee). Daily cups of OJ can also leave your mouth more prone to stains because the acid continues to break down enamel over time. Lower the acidity level a little (and save calories) by diluting your juice with water or seltzer.

Swimming
If you’re a competitive swimmer or swim for hours each week, you could end up with spots called “swimmer’s calculus.” The high pH of the chemicals in the pool water causes proteins to harden into a dark brown tartar. You’ll probably need to get your teeth professionally cleaned three or four times per year.
--As appeared in Woman's Day magazine. September 2011 issue.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. A cleaning appointment at Periodontal Associates in the Denver/Aurora, CO area will include a dental exam and the following:

• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

 
To schedule a cleaning, or a dental exam by Dr. Versman and Dr. Heller, appointment at Periodontal Associates, visit our contact form online, call us at 303-755-4500 or email us. 

Periodontal Associates is a periodontal health practice in the Denver - Aurora, Colorado (CO) area with a focus on dental implants for the replacement of missing teeth, and the treatment of gingivitis and gum disease to restore patients' oral health.