Category: Blog

Paralyzing fear is a common reason why millions of people don’t go to the dentist office on a regular basis like they should. This can cause many problems that were otherwise preventable, had they made their semi-annual visits to their dentist. These fears stem from anything from a bad experience to a downright dread of medical procedures in the first place. However, this can lead to massive problems such as toothaches, infections, gum disease, and in extreme cases even rotten/decaying teeth. These problems can get very serious when periodontitis gets into the gum line and possible even into the blood stream which can spread the infection to the rest of the body. The illnesses caused by this can include things like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes to name a few.

About to 5% to 8% of all Americans avoid the dentists’ office at all costs out of fear of what may happen during a visit. About 20% of Americans will only go when it’s absolutely vital and necessary. These reasons for them being this way can vary from bad past experiences at the dentists to other problems or disorders. These other disorders can include things like general fears/phobias of the dentists to anxiety disorders, being victims of PTSD, veterans who have experienced traumatic events, and/or people who have been victims of physical/sexual abuse in the past. The good news, however, is that there are special dental offices that cater just to these types of needs for people who have experienced these traumas in the past.

Many dentists don’t possess the patients or desire to work with patients who are nervous or even outright scared or terrified. Many others just want to get the work done and turn through patients quickly as possible. These are not the dentists to use if you have fears of phobias of the dentist, or have experienced past traumas in the dental chair. Seek a kinder, more carking dentist to help with your needs. The good news is, that there are plenty out there.

Look for a dentist that is willing to work with you, and that is willing to create an environment where you are comfortable. Many dentists are now moving towards having atmospheres that are not “dental like” in feeling, but rather the patient feels like the are in nature or another soothing place rather than a medical office. Many dentists have turned away from scrubs to business causal or suits/ties to get rid of that “doctor-y” feeling. Dentists who work with patients who have fears and phobias also are willing to accommodate the patient’s needs in simple “extra” ways. Oftentimes, speaking to a patient in their office is the best way to go about preparing them for what to expect before moving to the dental exam room. Frequently asking for permission to continue the procedure allows the patient to feel in control of what is being done to them, and how long it will last. Sometimes scheduling multiple appointments and doing things in smaller phases helps. For example, cleaning the top teeth one week and the bottom ones the next to lessen the length of the stay in the dental chair. Allow the patient to have a cue if they need the dentist to stop treatment, and allow them time to relax and breathe. Also, allow the patient many breaks as they need throughout a treatment to feel comfortable continuing the procedure.

Patients often find that after the procedure is done it was not nearly as painful as they imagined it would be. People realize that the fear was mostly a mental condition, but getting over that initial hurdle can be a challenge for many people. For those who have the most fear taking something to distract yourself while in the chair can help. New music to listen to. A relative to sit with and comfort you (preferably one who has no fear of dentists). A TV provided in the room to watch a show/sitcom/news network/etc. Something to take your mind off the procedure tends to work best.

Also, always seek a dentist you feel comfortable with. There are many dentists who claim to cater to the terrified populations who need dental work, but some are better at it than others. Once you find someone you are comfortable with it becomes much easier to get treatment. Stick with that dentist, and appreciate their willingness to help you stay healthy and happy.

If you have a fear of going to the dentist, give us the chance to help you with that.  Please contact us or call us at 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Self-esteem is a hugely important issue for everyone. Self-esteem is what makes you feel like you are worthy, accepted, and cared about. A simple way to make others self-esteem rise is to simply smile at the them when you see them. A warm, genuine smile lets the person know that you think they are likeable, pleasing, and safe to be around. It lets them know that you approve of their behavior, demeanor, and presence. It shows a need that you genuinely care for them, and want them to be there with you.

Smiles are powerful enough to start friendships, spark marital relationships, and let people you work with know that you care about them and are open to hearing about their personal lives as well as what they need to do the best job they can at work. Smiling ignites positive attitudes wherever you go, and lets people know you are a people person and that you care about them as individuals.

Smiling lets those around you know that you are pleasant, caring, kind, and approachable. It tells them that you are on their side, and that you genuinely care about them not only as workers or peers, but as a person as well. On the other hand, acting down, glum, and negative can have the opposite impact on people. It can leave people thinking, “What did I do that made that person upset?” or “How did I displease them?” even if they really did nothing wrong. Our moods and emotions rub off on people in many different ways, and oftentimes it starts with just a simple smile (or frown) that can set the tone for how we relate to those people around us.

Ultimately, smiling at others is the best way to go. It not only makes others feel you are approachable and that you are “on their side”, but it also can raise your own personal self-esteem as well. It makes you feel better, it brightens your mood, and it lets others know you care about them. So, the next time you see someone out in public smile and let them know that you are open, friendly, polite, and caring. That will lead to more people coming to you when they need something knowing you are there to help!

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Smiles are a universal symbol of happiness. Smiles change based on the social context in which we use them. Smiles tell a lot more about you than you and many other people may realize, including the following:

1. Will Your Marriage Last? – People who smile more freely are less likely to experience a divorce, and if they do experience divorce its likely to be at an older age after the marriage has survived longer. Looking at old photos and seeing how often someone smiles and how natural or forced the smile is can tell this about a person. This study is based on people who smile more being more free and “happy-go-lucky” in attitude versus a person who is usually forced to smile. Odds are the happier person is easier to get along with, and can keep a marriage together longer than someone who is more serious and rigid in personality.
2. How Fertile Are You? –  A smile reveals your overall health and well-being. For women, this can even reveal their level of fertility. Women with gum disease on average take 2 months longer to conceive than women who do not have gum disease. Gum disease can also predict the risk of future conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, respiratory issues, and even kidney disease. The link here is due to the increased inflammation in the body.
3. How Much Earning Power Do You Have? – A teenager’s grin can determine how much they earn as an adult. Happy teens tend to earn about 10% more than their average peer the same age, and depressed teens can earn up to 30% less than their average peers at the same age. Happiness is believed to be linked to less stress and worries that allow people to focus on their on-job tasks more, and to help boost their productivity in the workplace
4. How Powerful Are You? – Smiles signal social status as well as power in a social situation as people without power smiled regardless of emotions. Studies show that people in higher positions of power only smile when their emotions genuinely make them happy. Powerful people are afforded the privilege of showing their real emotions, where people in lower positions feel they must appear happy regardless of how they really feel.
5. How Good a Fighter Are You? – The link between smile and power hold physical meaning. Studies show that professional mixed martial artists who smiled in their photos the day before a competition were more likely to lose than those who put on an intimidating face. Fighting is about dominance and many experts suggest the smile meant that the person may not be as aggressive and hostile as they would like to be seen as. Therefore, they are not likely to fight as well as someone who comes off as hostile and aggressive to others in appearance.

If you have questions regarding this article contact us or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Family

“Where Family Comes First”