Whether you have a fear of going to the dentist, spent a few years without dental insurance, or simply procrastinated, when you haven’t been to the dentist in years it can be scary to make that initial appointment. It’s important to keep in mind that no matter how long you’ve gone in between cleanings, your dentist has probably seen much worse and will simply be happy you’ve finally come in. The sooner you make that appointment, the sooner you can have any potential issues diagnosed.…
Receding gums can affect the appearance of your smile and sensitivity of your teeth. When your gums recede, the root of the tooth – which is not protected by hard enamel – becomes exposed. If you have noticed increased tooth sensitivity near your gum line, it’s important to talk to your dentist. They can help discover the cause of your receding gums and hopefully help you stop the recession before it gets worse.…
If you grew up in the 1980s, you may remember the public service announcement about dental care featuring the animated character “Yuck Mouth” scampering around with horrible-looking teeth. Maybe the ad scared you into taking care of your teeth. On the other hand, it may have had the opposite effect and compounded negative associations you already had about dental care.
For many people, childhood dental phobias spill over into adulthood. In fact, up to 15 percent of adults in the United States fear going to the dentist.…
