Face
Dentistry
Dr Yasmin Zeina shares her thoughts on dental anxiety.
A lot of people have some anxiety about coming to the dentist. This can sometimes be attributed to previous bad experiences (such as the dreaded school dentist), apprehension about what to expect, worries about being told off or even embarrassment over your smile. In all honesty it makes sense – there are very few situations in life where you have to trust someone with something you cannot always physically see. The good news is that dental anxiety or phobia doesn’t have to continue, as there are ways you can feel more in control of your care and manage well with treatment. Here are a few things we encourage our patients here at Evolve can do to help ease your worries.
Finding a dentist you like and trust will be one of the biggest ways of reducing your dental anxiety. Not every dentist likes to tell people off for not flossing daily, some of us even like to have a little chuckle during our appointments. When you find a dentist that you feel able to talk to you’ll find that not only will your appointments feel more relaxed, but you will also feel more confident to ask the questions important to you. This means that we can work together to give you confidence in your smile.
Everybody is different – some people like their appointments to be quiet and relaxed, some people like to be talked through the treatment as it is being carried out, and others don’t want to know what is happening and prefer to talk about the latest podcasts they’re listening to. At Evolve, we try to personalise your appointment based on your preferences, but unfortunately we’re not mind readers. Your healthy mouth reviews and new patient consultation are a great opportunity to let us know how we can make you feel more comfortable. Personally, I like listening to a bit of Fleetwood Mac during my appointments!
There is a reason why ‘mind over matter’ is a common saying. Our psychology, and the things we think, can impact the way our body responds to certain situations. Anxious thoughts and feelings before an appointment can lead to quickening in breath, increased heart rate and muscle tension. A couple useful distracting techniques I often use with my nervous patients include deep conscious breathing where you visualise the air filling your lungs and imagine the built up energy flowing out of you during your exhale. Another alternative is progressive muscle relaxation. Next time you’re nervous during your appointment try focusing on tensing and relaxing each muscle, starting from your toes all the way to your head. Lastly, some dentists may try guided imagery where you think about your favourite place. The devil is in the detail, so remember to think about the specifics of what you like about this place. It’s hard to feel tense when imagining eating the most gorgeous ice cream on a warm sunny day, with the sound of the ocean in the background!
Unfortunately, this is a common reason why people avoid coming to the dentist. Our goal is to give you the information needed to keep things healthy and looking great. Everyone has things they’re worried about and changes they’d like to see. Please consider your appointment a chance to address these as opposed to hiding them.
If you’ve been putting off visiting the dentist because you are anxious, we hope that these tips help you. If you have any questions please call us on 01275 842550, our team are very experienced at helping anxious patients overcome their concerns, the first step is to pick up the phone.
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Laurie came to Evolve because she was unhappy with gaps between her teeth.
In this video, she shares her experience of having braces at the practice and how this has helped improve both the appearance of her smile and how her teeth meet together.
Teeth straightening treatment can address concerns such as spacing, crowding and bite issues, while also supporting long-term oral health.
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, a consultation at our practice can help you understand the options available.
#Braces #SmileJourney #Portishead #EvolveDentistry #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
Why do people grind their teeth?
In this video, Maggie explains some of the most common reasons people grind their teeth, particularly during sleep.
Grinding can be linked to things like stress, the alignment of your teeth or certain sleep issues. Over time it can lead to problems such as worn enamel, jaw pain and headaches.
If tooth grinding is causing problems, a custom dental guard may sometimes be recommended to help protect your teeth while you sleep.
Watch Maggie explain what to look out for and when it may be worth getting things checked.
#TeethGrinding #OralHealth #HealthySmile #PortisheadDentist
Clenching, headaches, pain when chewing… these can all be signs of TMJ problems.
In this video, Yasmin explains some of the common symptoms people experience and how treatments using neurotoxins can help relax the muscles around the jaw.
For some patients, this can reduce tension, relieve discomfort and improve day-to-day symptoms.
If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain or tension, it may be worth having a conversation about your options.
Book a consultation with our team at Evolve Face to learn more.
#TMJ #JawPain #FacialAesthetics #EvolveFace #Portishead
We are currently accepting new patients at Evolve.
If you’re looking for modern dental care in a friendly, patient-focused practice, we would love to welcome you.
Our team provides a wide range of dental treatments in a relaxed environment, with a focus on long-term oral health and natural-looking results. We’re proud to be a multi award-winning practice, and everything we do is centred around putting patients first.
We also offer finance options to help make treatment more manageable.
If you’ve been thinking about joining a new dental practice, now is a great time to get started.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
📞 Contact our reception team on 01275 842550
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #newpatients #acceptingnewpatients #healthysmiles #healthysmile #naturalteeth #portishead #portisheadmarina #nailsea #clevedon #dentist
🪥 Smile hack: timing your tooth brushing
Did you know that brushing your teeth straight after eating isn’t always the best idea?
In this quick video, Maggie explains why it’s better to wait a little while before brushing. After eating, especially acidic foods and drinks, the enamel on your teeth can be temporarily softened. Brushing too soon can actually cause more wear.
Waiting around 30 minutes gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids and protect your teeth.
Watch Maggie’s smile hack to learn the simple change that can help keep your teeth healthier.
#SmileHack #DentalTips #OralHealth #HealthySmile #Portishead
What exactly is a dental crown?
In this video, Carol explains how crowns help restore and protect teeth that have been weakened by cracks, root canal treatment or large fillings.
A crown acts like a protective cap, binding the tooth together and giving it the strength it needs for everyday biting and chewing.
Watch the video to learn when a crown may be recommended and how it helps protect your smile.
#DentalCrowns #OralHealth #HealthySmile #PortisheadDentist
Did you know that chewing sugar free gum after eating can actually help protect your teeth? 🍬➡️🦷
In this video, Carol explains why dentists often recommend sugar free gum after meals. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids that can lead to tooth decay.
It’s not a replacement for brushing, but it can be a helpful extra habit when you’re out and about and can’t brush your teeth straight away.
#OralHealth #DentalTips #HealthySmile #Portishead
