Skip to main content

What is emotional dentistry? And how does it work?

 


We all go to the dentist at least once every six months, and if our teeth are in good condition, we usually don’t have any issues when we visit. But what about when there’s an issue? You may be uncomfortable because of sore gums or you may be experiencing sensitivity in one or more of your teeth. These can make you feel anxious or nervous before your appointment, which can cause even more stress if it’s your first time seeing that dentist or dental hygienist.

 

The definition of emotional health

The National Institute of Mental Health defines mental health as how we think, feel and act when faced with life's challenges. When a person has mental health issues, their ability to handle these situations may be impaired. Emotional Dentistry provides dental care in accordance with these issues. There are many treatments that help patients deal with oral problems such as tooth pain caused by grinding or clenching of teeth, bleeding gums, and other dental issues. This branch of dentistry also deals with patients who have general anxiety about visiting a dentist. It is important for them to understand that there are various ways to manage their fears so they can get proper treatment for any oral problems they might have. In addition, emotional dentistry helps those who suffer from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people who experience depression may also develop feelings of hopelessness and helplessness because they do not want to leave their homes or interact with others.

 

How can I recognize if I have an issue with my teeth?

If you have an ongoing tooth problem, or if you suspect a future problem might be looming, there are plenty of signs to watch out for. If your teeth have been in pain for longer than usual, or you’re experiencing frequent toothaches, it’s likely that something isn’t right. You might also feel really self-conscious about your smile and find yourself subconsciously covering your mouth when talking to people. Also, check whether you grind your teeth at night – if so, it could mean you’re clenching due to stress. It may also help to keep a journal of any tooth problems; note down what time they occur and what caused them (eg eating certain foods). Once you start keeping track of these things, patterns will emerge that can help identify underlying issues with your teeth.

 

The issues caused by bad teeth

Bad teeth can not only cause severe pain but also may lead to self-esteem issues. It’s not uncommon for individuals who are embarrassed by their teeth to develop an inferiority complex, or for their personal relationships to suffer. The good news is that a new dental technology called emotional dentistry can help even very old and severely damaged teeth become healthy again.

 

Research shows the benefits of good oral health on psychological well-being

Research shows that poor oral health can lead to increased stress, depression and anxiety. Many patients who have undergone treatment of gum disease report feeling less irritable, improved mood and greater overall confidence. [Dentist 1] Gum disease has also been linked to stress related illnesses, including heart attack and stroke. If you are suffering from any type of chronic pain or illness, it’s important to consult with your dentist. Your dentist may be able to recommend specific treatments that will help alleviate your symptoms while improving your oral health. [Dentist 2]

 

How do I know if I need treatment?

If you’re worried about your teeth, but unsure if you actually need treatment, you’re not alone. The key factor to consider when deciding whether or not to have emotional dentistry treatment, or if cosmetic work is necessary, is how much distress and impairment an aesthetic issue causes in your life. Emotional issues can be a major source of stress for individuals. Are you tired of feeling self-conscious every time you smile at someone? Unhappy with how uncomfortable certain dental treatments feel?

 

Checklist to see if you might benefit from treatment

Does your bite feel off or are you experiencing teeth pain from grinding or clenching? Are you suffering from stress and anxiety that result in headaches, neck pain, insomnia, or back pain? Has a recent relationship breakup caused emotional distress so significant that you’re self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to cope with negative emotions?

 

Picking the right dental practice for your needs

If you’re looking for a dentist or a dental practice, you want to do your homework and find one that can address all of your oral health needs. It may seem daunting, but take it to step by step. First, ask friends or colleagues if they have any recommendations; if they don’t, search online. Look for reviews from previous patients. A good indicator of whether a practice will provide quality service is whether others have been pleased with their experiences.

 

Alternative ways to improve your general wellbeing

Dental implants, whitening treatments, and dental bridges are examples of dental procedures that serve an entirely different purpose. Each can bring about a positive impact on your health and well-being—but they’re not replacements for other forms of preventative care. If you aren’t taking care of your teeth with regular checkups and cleanings, we encourage you to start now. It could have a profound effect on your overall health.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity

Introduction: Biting into something hot or cold can sometimes cause pain. Tooth sensitivity is a common ailment that involves a short-lived but intense sensation of pain caused by physical or chemical stresses. It can occur at any age, although it is more common among people between the ages of 20 and 40, particularly women. To alleviate the discomfort, there are several remedies: it is first of all important to evaluate what are the triggering causes of hypersensitivity to allow the dentist to plan a treatment plan. In addition to the treatment prescribed by an expert, however, it is essential to prevent the disorder and any relapses by eliminating improper lifestyle habits. Finally, a sensitive tooth should not be neglected, both to avoid other oral health problems, and because the pain induces you to weakly brush your teeth, with the risk of facilitating cavities and gingivitis. Why are teeth sensitive to thermal stimuli? Hypersensitivity to cold and heat is a very common symptom, o...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Wisdom Teeth Struggle: Pain, Misalignment, and Other Complications

How many times have you heard about wisdom teeth? How many times have you heard about wisdom teeth being pulled or having dental surgery? Most likely, it’s probably happened once or twice in your life, and like many others, you might be wondering why this happens. But first things first, what are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are also known as the third molars, and they are the last set of adult teeth to erupt in your mouth; they usually come in at around age 18-25 years old. What Are Wisdom Teeth? Your wisdom teeth are also known as your third molars. They’re just as important as your other teeth. However, most people don’t really need them at all. Your wisdom teeth aren’t required for chewing. They often grow sideways or backward and can cause a host of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, cysts or tumors under the jaw bone (neuralgia), impacted wisdom teeth and even an infection in your mouth. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, they may be too deep to remove with simple surgery. And...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Dental Surgery Is Performed

  Would you like to resort to dental implantology but do not have enough bone to insert the implants? Have you heard of bone regeneration but would like to know more? Do you have periodontitis and would you like to resolve the instability of your teeth? If so, read the following article which describes the main characteristics of the various types of interventions that fall within oral surgery and which could be useful in solving your problems. What is oral surgery? Also known as odontostomatological surgery, it is that branch of dentistry that deals with a whole series of surgical interventions that can be performed within the oral cavity and which may concern various problems. Oral surgery includes a whole series of interventions attributable to various pathologies and imperfections of the teeth and mouth. The best known and most popular are described below. Tooth extraction: crossed teeth, granuloma, wisdom tooth The best known and most widespread oral surgery is tooth extractio...
Post a Comment
Read more