Reducing Your Dental Anxiety Through Natural Methods

Imagine a trip to Hawaii. Now think about a dental cleaning. Given the choice between those two scenarios, most people would take the trip–especially if they have feel anxious about a dental visit. The great news is that you can use natural methods to reduce anxiety, including dental anxiety. Many people feel a certain degree of nervousness when thinking about a trip to the dentist. That anxiety can increase if the treatment involves a procedure such as root canal, a filling, or extraction. While medication can provide relief for anxiety, some people prefer to avoid chemical sedation. Here are some alternative suggestions for those who want to relax during their appointment without the drugs. Mental images: Imagine you are someplace else is a good way to relax. Pretend you are on that tropical island, or another favorite place. Breathing: Deep breathing can be used in conjunction with other relaxation techniques. Although some people have found that concentrating on taking slow deep breaths is all that is needed to become calm. Hypnosis: A focused form of relaxation training that can help anxiety. it’s not just for laughs at a Las Vegas stage show. Preparation: Plain old common sense is an excellent way to reduce stress. Simply plan ahead and prep both your mind for the appointment. Book a time when you won’t feel rushed or stressed-out. Avoid caffeinated drinks and sugar before the visit. You should talk to your dentist about your anxiety. If you are feeling anxious about your visit with our Waco dentist, Dr. Latino, we would be happy to talk with you! We can help you reduce your dental anxiety through natural methods and through our sedation dentistry in Waco, Texas. Please contact Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084 to schedule your appointment.

Add a Mouthwash to Your Dental Health Arsenal

Besides getting a professional dental cleaning, you can’t beat the combo of toothbrush and toothpaste when it comes to oral hygiene. Although, consider that there are other dental aids that can help you in your quest for mouth cleanliness. Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily hygiene routine can be excellent for your dental health. In the war against tooth decay, cracks and crevices are the enemies camp. Brushes can’t always get to all of those tiny spaces where bacteria hide. Doing a daily rinse with a dentist recommended mouthwash will help keep your teeth in gums in great shape. There a several helpful principles concerning mouthwash. Good mouthwashes can eliminate bad breath (aka halitosis), tackle tooth decay, remove plaque, battle gingivitis, and kill tartar from forming. Even those persistent individuals with great dental health who loyally floss daily will see improvement when using a mouthwash that contains antibacterial attributes. Are you using the right mouthwash? If you are searching for an over-the-counter mouthwash, closely examine the label to confirm that you are getting fluoride inside, which works to eradicate plaque, gingivitis, and cavities as well as bad breath. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to be sure that you are getting a mouthwash that is more than just a breath freshener. Dental note: Swallowing large amounts of mouthwash can cause nausea, vomiting and in some products, intoxication due to the alcohol content. For this reason, we do not suggest mouthwash for children any younger than 6-years-old. Check the label for specific precautions. Dr. Latino, your dentist in Waco, would be delighted to advise you on the various types of mouthwashes he recommends. If we can answer your questions or help you in any way, please contact Chad Latino DDS, or come by our office. You’ll find us at 6701 Sanger Ave #101, Waco, TX 76710. We can’t wait to help you achieve a bright and healthy smile! And don’t forget, we also offer Invisalign in Waco, Texas.

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To schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Latino, please call us today at (254) 615-3084.