Spirit Dental Resources

If you’re pregnant, you might wonder if it’s safe to receive oral health care from your dental hygienist and dentist. Should you stick to your appointments for checkups and cleanings? Is there an increased risk of developing certain oral health problems while pregnant? And is it a good idea to receive more advanced dental treatments while you’re expecting? These are all valid questions, so we’ve compiled a few dental care during pregnancy guidelines to outline what steps you can take to keep your mouth, and your growing baby, healthy until your due date. Don’t Neglect Dental Care While Pregnant! According to the American Dental Association, pregnant women can safely receive oral health care. That includes dental x-rays and local anesthesia. Hooray! Plus, you can even receive emergency dental treatments (think: root canals, restorations, and extractions) while pregnant. Tip: Have your dentist and obstetrician work together to help ensure any treatments that you receive will be safe. Note: Some women make it a point to see the dentist during their second trimester, as it might be uncomfortable to be on your back for an extended period of time during the third trimester. Your dentist might even recommend postponing non-emergency procedures until you’ve reached your second trimester, or until after you’ve given birth, depending on where you are in your pregnancy when the oral health problems are diagnosed.   Pregnancy Means Your Risk for Certain Conditions Might Increase While pregnant, your body is going through a lot of changes—you are growing a baby inside of your belly, after all! Unfortunately, those changes may come with an increased risk of certain oral health problems, which include: Gingivitis – hormonal changes throughout pregnancy may actually boost your risk of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Left untreated, it could progress to periodontitis (gum disease), which may increase your odds of having a premature baby or an underweight baby. Yikes! Tip: if you develop gum disease while pregnant, your dentist can safely perform scaling and root planing, so you can treat it right away. That’s a relief! Enamel erosion – morning sickness, and the vomiting that comes along with it, may lead to erosion. Tip: if you vomit, it’s best to wait before brushing your teeth. In the meantime, simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Use this mixture as a mouth rinse to neutralize damaging stomach acid. Pregnancy tumors – the term sounds frightening, no doubt, but pregnancy tumors are caused by hormonal changes that lead to the development of a benign growth on your gums. No need to worry! Cavities – your risk of developing a cavity while pregnant may increase if you’re snacking more often because of cravings, if you aren’t following your usual oral hygiene routine, or if you have dry mouth, as a few examples. Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Mouth Healthy Before and During Pregnancy Are you planning on getting pregnant? Well, there are some steps that you can take right away to maintain your oral health until your baby is born. First off, set an appointment so that your dental hygienist can clean your teeth. Then, your dentist can check your teeth and gums. If there are any problems that need to be treated, no matter how minimal or advanced they might be, you can get it all done before you become pregnant so you won’t have to worry later on. After getting pregnant, let your dentist know. Even though routine and urgent care can be provided during any month of your pregnancy, your dentist might advise postponing elective procedures (cosmetic procedures or teeth whitening, for example) until after you’ve had your baby. Letting your dentist know about any medications and supplements that you’re taking is also a wise move. Beyond seeing your dentist as you normally would, maintaining your oral hygiene routine at home is important while pregnant, even though you might feel really tired. Tip: if you’re experiencing morning sickness that’s making it hard for you to brush your teeth, try a bland-tasting toothpaste.    Finally, focus on your diet. Sure, you might have cravings for sugary treats, but it’s best to stick with healthy options, like fresh fruit. Eating too many sweets may increase your odds of developing cavities. And did you know that a baby’s teeth start forming roughly three months into your pregnancy? Consuming nutrient-rich foods may help support your little one’s bones, gums, and teeth. Just another reason to eat right! Happy Mouth, Happy Baby! Taking care of yourself while pregnant can help ensure that you’ll deliver a healthy, happy baby. Experts recommend staying on track with your dental appointments, while also brushing, flossing, and eating a nutritious diet daily. With the right dental insurance plan, you won’t have to skip a beat when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums clean and strong before, during, and after pregnancy. And that’s good news because, once your baby is in your arms, you’ll want to take loads of pictures while sporting the biggest smile! Sources: https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/pregnancy https://www.healthline.com/health/pyogenic-granuloma#location https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-care-pregnancy#1 https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/dental-work-and-pregnancy-1185/

Dental fillings are super common, yet a lot of people aren’t entirely clear on what fillings are made of, how fillings are placed in the teeth, and when they can be used to fix a tooth. Want to learn more about dental fillings so that you can be better prepared the next time you see your dentist to have your cavities filled? We’ve outlined the ins and outs of fillings below. When Are Dental Fillings Recommended? When you head to the dentist for a checkup, he or she will examine your teeth and take x-rays to look for signs of decay and damage. If you’re diagnosed with a cavity, if a tooth is cracked or broken, or if there are indications that your teeth are worn down, a dental filling can be used to salvage the tooth and restore its strength. What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings? There are several different materials that can be used to successfully fill in any areas of decay within a tooth. Your dentist can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you so that you can choose the one you’d prefer. Composite fillings are popular because they can match the natural color of the rest of a tooth, allowing them to blend in without being noticeable. These fillings will bond to the structure of your tooth, and they can be used on worn teeth, as well as teeth that are broken or chipped. Despite these advantages, however, composite fillings might degrade more quickly than amalgam fillings would. They might also be pricier than amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings have been around longer than composite fillings. These are strong and durable, so they’re typically longer lasting, and they might be more affordable than composite fillings as well. Also known as silver fillings, these won’t be as aesthetically pleasing, though, because they won’t match the color of your teeth. They may also be more prone to fractures and cracks, and because they contain mercury, they can release low amounts of mercury vapor as well, so that’s definitely something to think about. Ceramic fillings are typically made of porcelain that can match the color of natural teeth. This material can be more resistant to getting stained over time, too, when compared to composite fillings. Nice! The main disadvantage is the price, as these fillings can be expensive. Glass ionomer fillings are a mix of glass and acrylic and are often chosen when fillings need to be placed below the gum line. What’s interesting about these fillings is that they release fluoride to further help protect a tooth from decay. How neat is that?! It’s important to note, however, that glass ionomer fillings can be more vulnerable to wearing down and fracturing, as the material is weaker than other options. Gold fillings are a type of metal filling, and they’re more expensive than silver amalgam fillings. Also, they’ll be obvious when placed in your teeth (but some people like the look of gold in their chompers). A major perk is that they’ll be more durable and stronger than other materials, such as composite fillings. How Are Dental Fillings Placed? You might be nervous about having your teeth filled, especially if it’s your first time going through it, but rest assured that this is a very common procedure that dentists perform every day. In fact, once you’re finished, you might realize that it wasn’t as bad as you had imagined it would be. Note: if you’re too stressed and anxious and you can’t seem to calm yourself down no matter how hard you try, talk to your dentist about sedation options that can help you relax while you're getting your cavities filled. Ahh, that’s better.   To help you prepare for what’s ahead, we’ve outlined the basic steps that are involved when a dentist places a filling in a tooth: You’ll receive a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the area that will be worked on so you won’t feel anything. Using a special drill, your dentist will remove all of the decay within the tooth so that only healthy tooth is left behind. Fun fact: other tools, such as air abrasion instruments and lasers, can now be used in place of a traditional drill to get the job done. After all of the decay is gone, your dentist will start to create the ideal shape for the filling, and this shaping procedure will depend upon the type of filling that you’re going to get. If necessary, your dentist might also apply a liner or base in order to protect the pulp of the tooth. Some filling materials need to be hardened using a special light, so your dentist might apply a layer of the filling, stop, use the light to harden it, and then continue on with this process in order to ensure that the filling is nice and strong. After the filling is in place, your dentist will ensure that your bite is correct, and will polish the filling to remove sharp edges. Once everything is perfect, you’ll be free to go! What Can You Expect After You’ve Gotten Fillings? Shortly after your filling is complete, you can expect that the anesthetic will wear off and you’ll regain sensation in your mouth. Your dentist will give you instructions regarding how long you should wait before chewing on the side of your mouth where a filling was placed. Something to be aware of: sensitivity may occur after a tooth is filled. You might find that cold or sweet foods and drinks, pressure, or air cause sensitivity, and this tends to be more common with composite fillings. If you experience sensitivity, tell your dentist. You might be advised to wait it out, as the sensitivity could hang around for a couple of weeks. If it doesn’t go away, though, it might be caused by a filling that’s too high and needs to be adjusted, or there might be another problem that needs to be addressed to bring you relief. Unfortunately, dental fillings won’t last forever. Depending upon the material that was used, a filling could last for many years without causing any problems, but be aware that it might fall out, crack, leak, or simply become worn out over time. On top of that, fillings might even be damaged by clenching and grinding your teeth. By simply visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, you’ll be able to stay on top of your fillings and have them replaced as soon as they need to be.   Are Dental Fillings Expensive? The price of dental fillings will depend on several factors, such as the material that's used. Thankfully, dental insurance can help bring out-of-pocket costs down so you don’t have to break the bank to fix your teeth. Plus, with the right policy, such as those offered by Spirit, you can get three cleanings per year so you can take an additional step towards keeping those pearly whites cavity-free. See? Dental fillings are pretty straightforward and nothing to fear! Your dentist will guide you through the entire process so you can make the best decisions for your teeth, and you can rest easy knowing that fillings are a great way to restore—and, therefore, save—a tooth that’s showing signs of decay. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings   https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/cavities-tooth-decay/cavity-fillings-what-to-expect-types-problems https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings#1  

Edentulism: it’s a term that you may not have heard of, but you might know someone who has been diagnosed with it. Check out the information below to learn about this oral health condition, and to access some tips on how you can prevent it.What Is Edentulism?Edentulism is tooth loss that typically affects adults and seniors. While partial edentulism involves the loss of one or more teeth, complete edentulism is a term used when all of the teeth are lost.  You might be surprised to discover that this condition affects millions of people in the U.S. alone, and that 25% of seniors who are over 60 are toothless.The unfortunate thing about edentulism—aside from the fact that it leaves you without your teeth—is that, once it starts, it can’t be stopped. Instead, a dentist can only help by fitting you with full dentures or bridgework. Another treatment option would be to get dental implants, or a patient could opt to get a combination of dentures and implants.What Causes Edentulism?Overall, edentulism sounds pretty bleak, doesn’t it? But understanding the risk factors is one way to put yourself back in control. If you know what can lead to tooth loss, you can take steps starting today to prevent this embarrassing problem in the future.  Generally, how well you take care of your teeth has an impact on your risk of losing them. In adults, cavities and gum disease are the main causes of tooth loss. Periodontal disease takes its toll on the bones and gums that support teeth, so as the destruction of these structures worsens, the teeth become loose and fall out or they end up needing to be extracted. Amongst the elderly, old fillings, dry mouth, gum recession, and plaque may all play a role in edentulism.Here are a few other factors that could contribute to edentulism:Smoking may increase the odds of someday losing your pearly whites. In addition to boosting your risk of edentulism, smoking also leads to gum damage. And if you thought that vaping was a better option, think again; it, too, may lead to oral health problems. Bottom line: it’s best to quit your nicotine addiction sooner rather than later.Stress may contribute to the development of edentulism, particularly if it causes you to grind your teeth, resulting in serious damage.Certain medications may cause side effects that affect the overall health of your mouth. For example, you might be taking a medication that leads to uncomfortable dry mouth, which could adversely affect your gums.Age and genetics are a couple of factors that can be a little harder to control when it comes to preventing edentulism. More than 70% of seniors who are over 65 have gum disease to some degree, and gum disease can make you more susceptible to tooth loss. Also, if other people in your family have lost their teeth, you might be at an increased risk as well. Don’t let this get you down, though, as taking care of your teeth with the help of your hygienist and dentist may help bring your risk down.Certain conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease, might make you more susceptible to tooth loss. Conditions that increase your risk of developing gum disease may also boost your risk of edentulism. Again, it goes back to the health of your gums and their ability to keep your teeth firmly in place.  The Best Way to Protect Your Teeth: Brush Daily, and See Your Dentist!If you want to prevent your teeth from falling out as you get older, you’ll need to take steps to keep them clean and strong. Daily brushing and flossing twice a day at home is imperative if you want to reduce your risk.In addition to at-home care, routine dental exams and cleanings are absolutely necessary. Your dentist will be able to perform exams and take x-rays to diagnose and treat problems, such as cavities, right away. On the other hand, your dental hygienist will be able to give you a professional cleaning that will get your teeth sparkling and your gums nice and clean.Worried about paying for all of the preventative and restorative dental care that you need? The optimal dental insurance will give you access to three cleanings per year, as well as major restorative dental insurance whenever it's necessary. You could have peace of mind, and you won’t have to worry about being able to afford the dentist.   No one wants to think about dental problems and losing their beautiful teeth, along with their ability to chew and speak properly. By following a strict oral health care routine and supporting your whole body with healthy lifestyle choices, you could put yourself back in the driver’s seat and take action to keep your mouth looking and feeling fabulous, no matter your age.  Sources:https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/tooth-loss/https://www.infodentis.com/dental-bridge/edentulism.php

Updated, September 2022 An overbite is a common dental condition among children and adults. While a minor degree of overbite is indistinct and usually unproblematic, severe cases may lead to low self-esteem and more serious health issues. We have all the details regarding overbites, what causes them and how to correct them below.   What is an overbite? An overbite is a type of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. This overlap may be so severe that the lower teeth touch the gums behind the lower teeth.   Types of overbites There are two common types of overbite — skeletal and dental — but some patients may have a combination of both. A skeletal overbite occurs when a person’s jaw bone has developed irregularly and the upper and lower jaw don’t align, pushing top teeth forward. A dental overbite occurs when the jaw is aligned, but either poor teeth alignment or overcrowding pushes the lower jaw back. Your dentist or orthodontist will measure the severity of your overbite based on a percentage scale to determine the best course of action.   What causes an overbite?  Overbite can occur due to a variety of factors, including:  Genetics Habits as an infant or toddler, such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use Habits as a teen or adult, such as nail biting or chewing on pens Teeth grinding Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)   How to fix an overbite Because teeth aren’t lining up as they should, an overbite needs to be corrected — and the sooner you can fix it, the better. If you’ve been diagnosed with an overbite, you’ve got a number of options for treatment.   Braces While typically viewed as a method for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth, braces can also correct jaw alignment, helping to fix an overbite. There are various types of braces, all of which are designed to shift and straighten teeth over time. Traditional metal braces are secured to the teeth with cement and linked together using archwire. Elastic bands will likely also be fitted to the brackets to align the jaw through constant pressure. After the braces are removed, a retainer is beneficial for keeping the newly aligned teeth in place permanently.  On average, this process takes about two years, though it will differ from patient to patient.   Invisalign Don’t want to deal with the discomfort or appearance of traditional braces? Invisalign is a popular alternative that uses a series of clear trays to gradually mold your teeth into the desired position. While Invisalign costs more than braces, this treatment is far less noticeable and takes less time (about a year total). And if you have orthodontic insurance for adults, you may be able to save money.    Overbite surgery In more severe overbite cases that can’t be treated with orthodontic treatment alone, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to realign jaw bones and restore symmetry in the face. This approach is typically only used for adults, since children’s teeth and bones are still developing.   Tooth extraction Overcrowded teeth may be the culprit for what’s causing an overbite. In a child or teen, a dental professional may recommend removing certain baby teeth to create more space for adult teeth to come in straight. When teeth hold their normal position, the jaw also aligns normally.  Adults may also require extraction prior to using braces or Invisalign, so teeth have room to move into alignment.   Why is overbite correction important? You may want to fix your overbite for appearance reasons, but treatment in fact also helps to prevent other health complications — not just to the teeth — down the road. When left untreated, overbite can cause: TMJ Tooth decay or gum disease Misalignment of teeth Jaw pain Risk for teeth breakage Speech problems Headache Discomfort while eating Sleep apnea Altered facial structure   Dental insurance can help with overbite correction Fixing your overbite will not only give you a boost in confidence, but it will also keep your smile healthy and prevent other debilitating conditions. Enroll in a dental insurance plan to help shoulder some of the cost of an overbite correction procedure. Spirit Dental has low-cost dental insurance with no waiting periods. Get the treatment you need now—request a quote today. 

Braces are amazing because they can give you the perfect smile that will make you feel more confident. But they do require extra maintenance when it comes to keeping them clean. Get ready to spend a little more time in the bathroom, making sure that all of the tiny spaces within your braces are thoroughly cleaned of food particles that could get trapped in there and lead to damaging plaque and bacteria. What are the main steps when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re wearing braces? Your orthodontist will be able to answer all of your specific questions and provide excellent, personalized guidance, but we’ve outlined some tips below. Brushing Is Oh So Important Brushing your teeth when you have braces is critical. It’s a major step in removing debris and bacteria that could otherwise fester and lead to serious tooth and gum problems. Experts recommend taking your standard brushing routine up a notch by brushing after every meal, including snacks, so that you can keep your braces as clean as possible and prevent unsightly stains on the teeth. But if you don’t do that, you should at least stick to brushing a minimum of two times a day, in the morning and before bed. In lieu of additional brushing sessions, you can rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash several times a day, as that can help loosen debris too. A Step-by-Step Approach to Cleaning Braces Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to start loosening up food particles that are stuck in and around the braces. Using an interdental brush, clean in between every set of brackets. This will help brush away debris that could be hard for your regular toothbrush to reach. Holding a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45° angle makes it easier to get around the pins and wires of your braces. Brushing from the top to the bottom of every wire will help you remove debris and plaque. Don’t rush the process. Next, you can brush your teeth by angling the toothbrush at a 45° angle again, but this time at the gum line. Use a circular brushing motion on every surface of every tooth. Be gentle! Once you’re all done brushing, it’s time to floss. We know it’s annoying, but it’s really important, especially when you have traditional braces. The good news is that you can stick to flossing just once a day, although you could certainly do it more often if you want or need to. Talk to your orthodontist about special flossing tools, like floss threaders, that can make the job easier.   Finally, it’s time to rinse your mouth with water or some mouthwash. Check your braces, teeth, and gums in the mirror, and you’re all set! Special Tools Make the Job Simpler Here are a few special tools that can help make keeping your braces clean a lot easier: Interdental/Interproximal Brush: This is a helpful tool when you need to get in between the brackets, as well as under those metal wires. You might be surprised by all of the debris that you’re able to pull out that your toothbrush and floss would miss! Floss Threader: This tool helps you get the floss in between your teeth, despite the braces being in the way. It basically works like a needle and thread, and it really is a lifesaver when it comes to flossing in areas that are hard to reach. 4 Tuft Interdental Brush: This brush can be useful if you need to get into gaps or spaces in between your teeth. It’s also another tool that you can use to clean your brackets. Visit Your Orthodontist and Your Dentist! You’ll need to see your orthodontist regularly so that he or she can check your braces and make sure your treatment plan is set to achieve the desired results (having the right insurance, such as dental insurance that covers braces, can make seeing the orthodontist a lot more affordable). In addition to seeing your orthodontist, don’t forget to make appointments with your dentist, too. A routine checkup will look for symptoms associated with gum disease and cavities so you can rest assured that your at-home oral hygiene routine is working. And a routine cleaning every six months is a fantastic way to remove anything that you missed. You’re on Your Way to a Straight—and Clean—Smile! No matter what type of braces, whether it be metal braces or clear plastic braces, it does require some extra steps. While it might be a little challenging at first, once you get into a routine, you’ll start to realize that it doesn’t take much time at all to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy while the braces do their work.    Sources: https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/how-to-take-care-of-braces/   https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/good-dental-hygiene-is-critical-for-kids-with-braces https://blog.1stfamilydental.com/great-oral-hygiene-with-braces/ https://vitadentalhouston.com/blog/maintain-great-oral-hygiene-braces/

Even as an adult, a trip to the dentist can cause some anxiety. But, for kids, it could be downright frightening. So what can you do to ease your child’s fears when it’s time to have their teeth checked or when a cavity needs to be filled?   Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It Communication can be a first step in helping your son or daughter feel more relaxed about going to the dentist. You could start by letting your child know that you’ve set up a dentist appointment for them. Then, explain why it’s necessary to see the dentist regularly. Your message could also include the fact that everyone goes to the dentist, including you, and it really isn’t anything to fear. It’s best to keep your attitude towards the dentist as positive as possible, and clarify that the dentist is there to help keep everyone’s smile looking beautiful. Avoid the use of words like “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt.” Keep it lighthearted! By simply allowing your kid to talk to you about their fears, and by giving straightforward answers to any questions they have, you might find that their anxiety is reduced. Tip: If your child is asking a lot of questions about dental procedures that seem scary, it might not be a good idea to dive into too many details. Instead, leave all of that to your dentist, who has experience with explaining things to kids in a way that could help them calm down. You could even let your dentist know in advance that your child has anxiety so that steps can be taken to make the experience as non-threatening as possible.   Let’s Play Pretend! In addition to talking to your kid about an upcoming trip to the dentist, you could even move through a pretend exam at home. Have your child recline in a comfortable chair to act as the patient, while you pretend to be the dentist. Fun! Using imagination and playtime can be a good way to prepare for what to expect in a real dentist’s chair. You might start by looking at your kid’s teeth and counting them, and you could even use a mirror so that your child can see what’s happening. Tip: During your pretend dental appointment, avoid using a dental drill or making drilling sounds. No one likes that! Read a Book Together There are many children’s books written with the intention of reducing a little one’s fears of going to the dentist. Purchasing one or more of these books and reading them with your kid can be another helpful step. Here are some options to get you started: What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff Dora the Explorer's Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist SpongeBob SquarePants’ Behold No Cavities! A Visit to the Dentist Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi Take a Favorite Toy to the Appointment If your child is very young, having a favorite toy to hold might be extremely comforting while their mouth is being examined. A toy may even serve as a calming distraction while you’re in the waiting room. We all know how sitting for a long time before your appointment can lead to anxiety and frustration! Stick with a Pediatric Dentist A pediatric dentist’s office will be quite different from one that’s designed for adults. It might be less intimidating, especially if it’s filled with distracting toys and games, TV shows, and fun pictures on the walls. Although every great dentist will know how to make a child feel comfortable and secure during an exam or a procedure, the staff at a pediatric dentist’s office might have even more tricks up their sleeve to make your kid giggle. Fun fact: A study found that the simple act of looking at positive photos, such as those of a stuffed animal in a dental chair, or kids smiling while being examined, could help reduce anticipatory anxiety while in the waiting room. It’s Never Too Early to Learn Deep Breathing What are some of the techniques that you use to calm down when your anxiety is kicking in? If your answer includes deep breathing, why not share that technique with your kid? A few minutes of simple deep breathing could help relax both body and mind, and you can practice this with your child before the actual appointment. Then, once your child is in the waiting room and in the dentist’s chair, you can evoke this deep breathing exercise again. Ahh…much better! Get Ready: Your Dentist Might Recommend Sedation If your kid’s anxiety is super high and nothing seems to be helping, your dentist might recommend a form of sedation. An option for minimal sedation is laughing gas, which is also referred to as conscious sedation. What’s great about laughing gas is that it calms you down but you’re still able to respond to stimuli, and you can also breathe on your own. For these reasons, it’s considered a safe choice for children who just need a little extra help relaxing. Start ‘Em Young Did you know that experts recommend taking your baby to the dentist for the first time no later than their first birthday? The sooner your child experiences a dental appointment, the quicker they can realize that it’s not so bad after all. In fact, seeing the dentist could become just another routine that your kid becomes used to, especially if you have family dental insurance and you schedule appointments for cleanings and checkups throughout the year. No Need for Anxiety! Anxiety about a dental appointment? Hey, we’ve all been there! And it’s totally normal for kids who are unsure of what to expect to feel overwhelmed. It might take a bit of time and effort, but it’ll be worth it to ensure your child won’t be so scared when it’s time to see the dentist—which means you’ll be able to relax, too!  Sources: https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/19-dentistry-for-kids/161-your-child-has-dental-anxiety-here-s-what-you-should-do https://www.parents.com/health/dental/kids-overcome-fear-dentists/ https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/blog/8-books-for-dentist-fearing-children/ https://www.turnaroundanxiety.com/child-afraid-dentist-managing-dental-anxiety/