Health Tip: If You Fear Going to the Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are key to having healthy teeth and gums. But the sights, sounds and potential pain of the dentist's office are enough to keep many people away.
The American Dental Association offers these suggestions for making a dental appointment less frightening:
- Talk to your dentist about your fears. The dentist and the staff should do what they can to make the experience easier.
- Schedule your appointment during a time that's not busy. Opt for an appointment early in the morning or sometime on a Saturday.
- Bring a portable music device with you. Focus on the soothing tunes, instead of the sounds of the dental instruments.
- Close your eyes and visualize a relaxing scene -- to take your mind off what's happening in the dentist's chair.
Health Tip: Prevent Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can occur because teeth haven't been properly brushed and flossed, or as a side effect of conditions including leukemia, scurvy or vitamin K deficiency.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help keep gums healthy:
- Don't smoke or use other forms of tobacco.
- Take vitamin supplements, as recommended by your doctor.
- Don't take aspirin, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- If medication is causing your gums to bleed, ask your doctor about possible alternatives.
- Massage your gums gently with an oral irrigation tool. Set the device on low.
- Make sure dentures fit properly, and talk to your dentist if they cause bleeding or soreness.
- If your gums do bleed, wet a gauze pad with ice water and hold it to the affected area.
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