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
- Do older adults have any special concerns? Concerns of
older adults include dentures and trouble brushing.
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 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
- 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
The following are some concerns about
dental 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.
- Will my child need fluoride?Fluoride is a chemical that helps prevent
tooth decay and
cavities. Normal amounts of fluoride added to public water supplies and bottled water are safe for children and adults. If your child needs extra fluoride, your dentist may recommend supplements. Use these 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.
- How do I brush my child's teeth?
It is important to start
brushing 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.
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 Hotline right away at 1-800-222-1222.