It is often best to share your anxiety with your dentist and the dental staff.  If you are tense or anxious, get your concerns out in the open so that your dentist can adapt the treatment to your needs.

Choose a time for your dental visit when you are less likely to be rushed or under pressure. For some people, that means an early-morning appointment when you are rested, or at the end of your workday so you are not in a rush.

If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music.  During the dental visit you might try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach.  Many offices also offer movies you can watch during your appointment.

These positive techniques work wonders for many. Try them on your next dental visit.

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  For more information about my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com.

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
April 20, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/3102.aspx?currentTab=1

Here are some facts on oral cancer, taken from the American Dental Association’s fact sheet:

• Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year.  An estimated 7,550 people (5,180 men and 2,370 women) will die of these cancers in 2007.¹
• More than 25% of the 30,000 Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease.²
• On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.⁴

What is the number one risk factor for oral cancer?

You got it – Smoking.  This includes all forms of tobacco use including cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.

Other benefits to quitting smoking are:  decreased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, COPD, improved circulation and breathing, eliminating exposure of tobacco to those around you via second-hand smoking.  From a dental perspective, you will reduce staining of your teeth and bad breath, and the health of your gums will improve.

For the complete ADA articles on oral cancer and smoking, please refer to

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cancer_oral.asp

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/smoking_tobacco.asp

In future blogs I will cover more on the specifics of oral cancer detection as well as other dental conditions linked with tobacco use.  Until then…

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po

Your friendly dentist,

Dr. Sarah Po