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Tips for Taking Care of Your Toothbrush | Boca Raton Dentist

Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with a tooth brush.Brushing and flossing are two of the most important aspects of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. While dentists will recommend you brush and floss at least twice a day, it’s important to do it properly in order to receive the expected benefits. One of the keys to brushing properly is to use the right toothbrush, and to care for it properly.

While different people will prefer different styles of toothbrush – manual or electric, soft or firm – it’s generally recommended that you consider soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums. This is especially important if you are a vigorous brusher – a softer bristle will avoid damaging sensitive gum tissue, which is a common cause of receding gums. A toothbrush approved by the ADA will be most likely to hold up well under use and have a safe and effective design.

Once you’ve selected the proper toothbrush, it’s important to care for it properly. You should clean the toothbrush after each use, rinsing it with water to remove excess toothpaste and other debris. Occasionally soaking the brush in antibacterial mouthwash is also a good idea. After each use, be sure to allow the toothbrush to dry. Ideally, you should store it upright so it can drain, and to minimize the risk that airborne particles will settle on the surface.

From time to time, you’ll need to replace your toothbrush. Typically, you should replace your brush if it shows signs of wear, for example if bristles fall out during use. You should also consider changing brushes after a major illness, as it’s likely that you’ve contaminated the toothbrush, and will re-introduce bacteria to your body. While it may not make you sick a second time, it may prolong the illness if you continue using it as you recover. After three to four months of regular use, you should replace your toothbrush – the bristles will be starting to wear, and the relatively inexpensive price of toothbrushes should make replacement simple.

Finally, you should avoid sharing your toothbrush, even with close family members. While many families are comfortable swapping saliva, you should remember that tooth decay is bacterial in nature, and that bacteria will live on a toothbrush. In that sense, you can consider tooth decay a disease that can be transmitted from person to person. It’s in everyone’s best interest not to share toothbrushes.

If you feel that you need dentures or would like more information on toothbrush maintenance, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Clive Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Ray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Save Your Smile by Quitting Smoking| Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, , , , , , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush.Smoking can be catastrophic to your teeth, gums and mouth. The harmful effects of smoking on respiratory and cardiac health are well known, but if you’re a smoker, we want to make sure that you’re aware that smoking can also affect your oral health. Below we describe how smoking could destroy your smile.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of American adults that are 30 years old or older have gum disease. The same study reported that more than 64 percent of smokers suffered from periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of the tissues that hold your teeth in place! Suffice it to say gum disease is a common ailment for many people.

Smoking restricts the amount of blood flowing in your gums and surrounding tissues, which increases their chance of being inflamed. When you smoke, your immune system is weakened, leaving your body more vulnerable to infection. Gum disease occurs when the tissue that supports your teeth becomes infected, due to the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has reported that smoking is one of the most significant factors associated with the development of gum disease.

Smoking doesn’t just stain your teeth, in time it can rob you of them. The appearance of stained teeth is unpleasant enough on its own, because the nicotine and tar found in tobacco turns the teeth from their natural white to yellow and eventually to brown. Long-term smoking can even result in tooth loss. And despite what tobacco company ads may portray, having teeth is far more attractive than having a cigarette in your mouth!

Bad breath is one nasty by-product of smoking that can cause awkward implications for your social life, but the ramifications for your overall oral health can be much worse: Smoking is one of the primary causes of mouth cancer, and it can be fatal. According to the Dental Health Foundation, smoking or chewing tobacco causes between 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers. By the way, alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer, and if one consumes alcohol and tobacco together, the risk is even higher.

We are sympathetic to those who struggle with an addiction to tobacco products, but please don’t sacrifice your beautiful smile to the dangers of smoking. If you quit smoking, attend your regular dental checkups and cleanings, brush twice a day, floss once a day, and eat a well-balanced diet, then you will significantly improve your chances of enjoying great oral health.

If you feel that you need to quit smoking or would like more information, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Clive Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Ray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Learning New Tricks: Denture Care | Boca Raton Dentist

Dentures, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush.You never thought it could happen, but your dentist tells you that you need dentures/partial dentures. And you had a basic idea of daily oral care, but dentures can’t possibly be the same as normal teeth, right? So does this mean you will need to retrain yourself a new dental care routine in order to look after them? Not quite, but you will definitely have a thing or two to remember. Here are just a few handy tips to keep in mind as you are going forward.

While dentures are designed to withstand quite a bit, just because they aren’t your originals, it doesn’t mean they don’t need a little upkeep. In fact, consider them exactly like your real teeth when you are looking after them and your mouth. Dental implants are generally meant to last at least 5-7 years, but they are still breakable, so handle them with care. Make sure you are over a soft space when removing or cleaning them, in case you accidentally drop them.

You aren’t going to get rid of your toothbrush, but you can absolutely get rid of your toothpaste. In fact, toothpaste is generally too abrasive for dentures and could scratch them, making you more prone to other things that could develop. So, go ahead and toss out your toothpaste! All you need now is a soft bristled toothbrush to remove and food particles and plaque from your dentures and mouth. They have specific soft-bristled brushes for your day-to-day denture care. In between meals, just give your mouth a quick rinse.

When it is time to give your dentures a good cleaning, simply use some hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. The ingredients in the soaps are extremely gentle on your delicate teeth and will avoid scratches or the accidental breakage of any metal or plastic pieces that are necessary to remain in your mouth securely. You are also going to be prone to gum diseases, just like you would your original teeth, so make sure you run a toothbrush over the inside of your mouth to clean brush away any bacteria that can cause issues later down the road. There are ultrasonic devices on the market that you can use to give your dentures a good soak, but it is for more of a deep cleaning and should never replace your daily brushings. It’s more like a cool bathtub for your dentures with its sound wave motion. The key is to keep your dentures moist when they are out of your mouth so they don’t warp out of shape, but make sure you avoid using hot water. Ask your dental professional for the proper soaking solution for your specific set of dentures.

If you feel that you need dentures or would like more information on denture maintenance, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding laser gum therapy.

Dr. Clive Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Ray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

What is a Snore Guard?

Snoring,


A woman laying in bed under the covers.A snore guard is an anti-snoring device that’s fitted inside the mouth to help prevent snoring. This device does so by holding the lower jaws forward, allowing for better airflow and preventing obstruction. While a snore guard shares its concepts with other anti-snoring devices, what makes it unique is that it requires professional fitting. This means that you can only get a snore guard from a dentist, of which will take care of taking the specific specifications of your mouth and creating this anti-snoring device.

How Does It Work?

As explained earlier, this oral device helps promote better airflow in the throat by preventing the jaw and tongue from falling back and collapsing. This is referred to as mandibular repositioning and has been proven to be an effective means of eliminating obstruction from the airways and in many cases, stopping snoring.

A snore guard, though, is custom-fitted to make sure that it fits over the top teeth properly, all the while keeping the lower jaw forward comfortably.

Benefits

 

  • The one-piece design keeps this device simple and easy to use. No need to put together multiple pieces, nor worry about wires and elastic bands.  
  • The device utilizes a patented airflow technology that not only prevents snoring while you sleep, but also allows you to breathe comfortably.
  • The device has been around for many decades and has been used by dental professionals all over the world.

 

Disadvantages

  • Despite the slight differences in the design of a snore guard to make it more effective, the device still suffers from some of the disadvantages of wearing other anti-snoring mouthpieces. This includes discomfort such as facial pain, teeth and gum soreness, as well as jaw pain during the adjustment period, which can last for a few days or a few weeks.
  • Obtaining a snore guard isn’t easy as it is only available via prescription. There are other alternatives that, although may not be as effective, use a similar technique and are available over-the-counter.
  • Aside from requiring a prescription, the only way to get a snore guard is to get it from the dentist. This means that on top of the product’s price, you have to pay for the dentist’s professional fee. This can make snore guards much more expensive compared to other oral devices.

Are Snore Guards Really Effective?

That depends. If you’re snoring because your jaws fall back when you’re asleep, devices utilizing the mandibular position technique such as a snore guard, can definitely help you. However, if your snoring for any other reason, you may want to look for other treatments.

Then again, snore guards and any other type of mouth guard can only help you so much. It still would be better for you to have yourself checked by a sleep specialist to find out the main cause for your sleep apnea.

By getting yourself checked by a board-certified sleep specialist, your condition can be properly assessed and the proper treatment can then be prescribed to you. Whether that comes in the form of a snore guard or any other form of treatment ultimately depends on your health care provider.

How Laser Gum Treatment Can Help Treat Gum Disease

Laser Gum Therapy,


A person holding a toothbrush with light shining on it.Lasers have helped change the lives of many people in different fields, including those with oral and dental problems. Although the use of laser in dentistry is still not as widespread, it has been used to positive effect in the treatment of various dental conditions, including gum disease.

How Gum Disease Works

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that mainly affects the supporting tissues and bone that’s responsible for holding your teeth where they are. The condition affects everyone, from children to the elderly, but is much more common in adults their 30s and older.

Gum disease may be the result of many things, such as poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, diabetes and other chronic illnesses, and even medication.

If left to progress, gum disease can affect the gums so much that the roots may start to become exposed. This can cause pain, sensitivity and other problems.

Typically, gum disease in its later stages is treated via scaling and root planning. This is a non-surgical method where the dental care professional cleans the surface of the teeth. Also, if necessary, the dental care professional may resort to gum flap surgery. This is a surgical procedure where the gum tissue is cut and flapped back to allow for the thorough cleaning of the roots underneath. Once finished, the dental care professional then sutures the gum tissue back into place and leaves it to heal.

Where Laser Therapy Comes In

Laser gum therapy or treatment is an alternative to scaling and root planning, as well as gum flap surgery. It’s a procedure where the dental care professional uses a dental laser to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue that’s surrounding the root of the tooth. Once removed, the root is left exposed and this is where scaling begins. This involves scraping off all the built-up bacteria from the teeth, gum line and around the teeth. The root is then smoothed off using laser and instruments, removing any rough spots that may attract bacteria and cause infections in the future.

What Makes Laser Gum Therapy Different?

The main benefit with laser gum therapy is that it requires no general anesthetic, which helps minimize complications resulting from anesthesia. The lasers are also more accurate, able to target the diseased areas with better precision. Also, unlike regular surgery, there’s less bleeding, pain and swelling involved with laser gum therapy, which also means that recovery and healing times are much shorter.

Of course, you wouldn’t have to worry about the risks of laser gum therapy, or any other kind of periodontal treatment, if you take good care of your teeth. You should make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once daily. You also may want to use an oral mouthwash to rinse your mouth, preferably one that doesn’t contain alcohol. More importantly, make it a point to schedule an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings.

If you feel that you would benefit from laser gum therapy, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding laser gum therapy. The latest Fotona Lightwalker laser a dual wavelength laser is used.

Seven Benefits of Dental Dentures

Dentures, ,


A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.

Dentures are removable dental appliances that’s used to replace missing teeth. They’ve long been criticized for their supposedly improper and uncomfortable fit, as well as how unnatural-looking they are.

The truth, however, could not be farther from that.

Case in point, today’s dentures have improved to the point that they’re no longer noticeable and are more comfortable to wear than ever before.

If you’re thinking about having your missing teeth replaced, consider these seven wonderful benefits that you could get from a dental denture.

  1. They can give your self-confidence a huge boost

If you’ve had missing teeth for a long time, having a new set of teeth that looks as good as your natural ones and are also comfortable to wear can do wonders to your self-esteem and self-confidence.

With dentures, you can flash your full set of teeth again and smile to your heart’s content.

  1. You don’t need to visit your dentist as often

Of course, this only applies once you get past the initial adjustment period where you’ll need to visit the dentist every month or so. After that, your dentures will be relatively hassle-free and you’d only need to visit the dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning.

  1. You’re free to eat what you want and when you want to

As you age, your gums tend to be a bit more sensitive than in your younger years and this can seriously affect what you eat. The effect can be so severe that you may just end up avoiding certain types of food just because they cause pain and sensitivity. Though, with dentures, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

With dentures, the ligament connecting your natural teeth to your nervous system is severed. While your new, false teeth will still rub on your gums, they’re not exactly attached to any nerves. This means that you’ll be able to eat whatever you want without having to worry about it causing any kind of pain or sensitivity.

  1. They are custom-made dental appliances

Contrary to popular belief, dentures actually fit well. This is because they’re made to match the exact measurements of your mouth. The fact that dental medicine and technology has improved over the years and will only continue to improve is further proof that dentures will only get even more comfortable to wear in the future.

  1. You can go back to living the healthy lifestyle you’ve always wanted

Because dentures give you back the ability to chew your food properly, you’re able to get the full amount of nutrient that your body needs again. Even better is that wearing dentures allow you to follow a diet routine that you’ve always wanted, but for some reason related to your missing teeth or tooth sensitivity, never really pursued.

  1. You get to look better and younger

Missing teeth can cause the cheeks to sink inwards or downwards, causing unsightly facial wrinkles and making you look older than you actually are. But, the good news is that dentures can actually prevent and even reverse this process, allowing you to look your age, if not younger!

  1. They are easy to adjust

Dentures not only are more comfortable and easier to use than ever, they also look a lot more natural than in the past. Also, if you experience problems with your denture such as clicking noises, gag reflexes, or loose dentures, you can now easily have them fixed and adjusted at your dentist’s clinic.

Dental dentures offer many benefits to those who choose to wear them, such as an enhanced smile and much-improved confidence.

Visit your dentist today to know more about how these removable dental appliances can help you!

If you’re interested in having your missing teeth replaced with dentures, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment today! Or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding removable dental appliances.

What Is The Difference Between an Inlay/Onlay and a Filling?

Restorative Dentistry, , , ,


A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.Traditional fillings and dental crowns are two of the most common choices to help treat damaged teeth. The former for slightly damaged teeth, and the latter for heavily damaged ones.

Fillings and crowns, however, are not always the best options.

For example, fillings will only weaken the remaining structure of heavily damaged teeth. This may lead to the damaged teeth to break or crack, eventually needing a root canal treatment. Meanwhile, the capping of teeth that are not good candidates for fillings, but at the same time are also not good candidates for crowns, may lead to the unnecessary removal of tooth structure.

In such cases of structural damage, dentists can use inlays and onlays as an alternative to crowns and traditional dental fillings.

The main difference between inlays/onlays and fillings is that these dental appliances are fabricated in a dental lab before they’re fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth. This is unlike in fillings where they’re molded into place inside the mouth during a dental visit.

Inlays and Onlays

It’s important to take note that inlays and onlays are different. Although the difference is not huge, you’ll still want to know what makes one different from the other.

For dental inlays, they’re used to fill the space in between the cusps, or the area found at the center of the tooth’s surface. However, dental onlays may be used to cover more than one cusp or even the entire biting surface of the tooth.

Of the two, dental onlays are mainly used for teeth with extensive damage.

Materials

Inlays and onlays can be made either from porcelain or composite resin materials, or gold.

Of the said materials, gold inlays and onlays are considered the most durable, although they’re not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing. If aesthetics is a major concern, you’re better off with porcelain inlays and onlays.

Composite inlays and onlays may be a better choice for those who grind their teeth or those who suffer from a misaligned bite.

Advantages

  • Porcelain inlays and onlays are less likely to suffer from discoloration over the years when compared to porcelain fillings.
  • Inlays and onlays help preserve as much of the healthy tooth as possible and at the same time, the decayed and damaged areas are also restored.
  • Fillings may shrink during the curing process. However, inlays and onlays will not, which helps ensure an accurate and tight fit.
  • Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that typically last longer than fillings. Even better is that onlays help protect the weak areas of the tooth, further strengthening the weakened tooth.
  • When compared to fillings, inlays are easier to clean, stain-proof and are more durable. Inlays are also better at sealing teeth and keeping out bacteria.

Disadvantages

  • Since they have to be created in a dental lab, inlays and onlays will require much more time to complete. The typical procedure can take more than two weeks, which is a lot more when compared to the single appointment that the placement of a dental filling requires.
  • Inlays and onlays are also considered much more expensive compared to direct dental fillings.

 

Whether you need a tooth filling, a dental crown, or a dental inlay or onlay, what is important is that you do not delay treatment. Besides, regardless of which treatment you end up going for, your teeth will still thank you for it.

If you need to have a damaged tooth repaired, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding restorative dentistry.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive To Hot and Cold?

General Dentistry, , ,


A woman getting her teeth cleaned by dentist.If you’ve been avoiding cold and hot foods or beverages because of sensitivity in your teeth, it may be time that you try and find out the underlying cause for the pain.

Why Does It Happen?

Dentin, the primary material found inside each tooth, contains microscopic tubules full of tiny nerve endings. Then, on the outside, a much harder material considered as the hardest substance found in the human body known as enamel, covers pretty much the whole tooth.

Durable as the enamel may be, it is still possible for teeth to lose its protective covering, exposing dentin or the nerve endings to hot and cold food or beverages, resulting in pain.

What Causes It?

Why someone may have sensitive teeth can be narrowed down to the following causes:

  • The excessive use of a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively, resulting into the enamel wearing out prematurely.
  • Frequent exposure to highly acidic beverages and acidic foods resulting to tooth erosion.
  • Tooth decay, broken teeth and worn-out fillings that may expose dentin.
  • Exposed roots of the teeth due to gum recession.
  • Bruxism or the habitual grinding of teeth, especially when asleep.
  • A possibleside effect of certain dental treatments such as tooth bleaching, crowns, fillings and so on.

What You Can Do About It

The first step in getting rid of the pain that comes with tooth sensitivity is to talk to your dentist and have your teeth checked.

During your visit, it is best to describe when you first remembered feeling the pain, as well as what caused or triggered it. Also, tell your dentist about certain measures you’ve taken, such as applying a warm compress that had a positive effect.

Your dentist will have to check your mouth thoroughly to determine the reason behind your tooth sensitivity. Then, after a brief discussion, you can then choose the type of treatment you want to have to treat underlying cause.

Treatment may be something as simple as filling in a cavity, or having a worn filling replaced. However, it can also be as complex as having a gum graft conducted to help protect the exposed root surface or periodontal treatment to treat tooth decay, as well as to prevent it from reoccurring.

Other forms of treatment may be the application of an in-office fluoride gel that can help strengthen the tooth enamel. This may help reduce, or even eliminate, painful sensations.

You may also want to consider using desensitizing toothpastes instead of what you regularly use. Since they’re specially designed for sensitive teeth, you should feel less or even no pain at all with regular use. Also, you’ll want to use a toothbrush with soft-bristles and change it every time it’s worn out, or every two to three months, whichever comes first.

Still, the best thing that you can do, as mentioned earlier, is to set an appointment with your dentist today. Who knows, one visit may be all that it takes for you to be able to enjoy ice cream as you once did!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding oral health.  

What To Do When You Already Have Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay, , , , ,


A woman getting her teeth cleaned by dentist.Even after your best efforts of preventing tooth decay, sometimes, it just happens and your dentist ends up finding a sign or two. Though, it’s not as threatening, nor as painful, you shouldn’t give in to the temptation of putting off treatment for a later time.

Why so?

This is because tooth decay just doesn’t repair itself, not now and not ever. If it’s already begun showing signs and symptoms, what may start off as a minor problem can escalate rather quickly if left untreated, more so if left unchecked.

How Tooth Decay Starts

Tooth decay is a very subtle bacterial infection that starts way before patients develop any noticeable signs and symptoms.

Thanks to the acid-spewing bacteria produced by the sticky plaque on your teeth, the acids can slowly dissolve even the hard enamel protecting your teeth. It does this without causing any pain or discomfort.

By the time tooth decay does cause pain, it can infect not just your teeth, but also the root and cause even more pain.

Apart from pain, here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Facial swelling
  • A foul taste in your mouth

Though, if you visit your dentist regularly, you won’t have to worry about checking signs and symptoms yourself since they’ll know if you’re already suffering from early tooth decay through a regular oral or dental examination.

What To Do

The best possible course of action is to seek care as soon as possible.

Not postponing treatment gives you a better chance of fighting off tooth decay and in many cases, even reversing its effects.

Possible treatment options include:

  • Fluoride treatments. Applied via liquid, gel, foam or varnish, the flourish is brushed to teeth and placed in a small tray that’s worn over the teeth. Each treatment takes no longer than a few minutes and is likely to help restore the tooth’s enamel in minor cases such as when the cavity is just getting started.
  • If the decay has begun to erode tooth enamel, fillings can be used to restore teeth to its proper shape and cover up cavities. For a better look, opt for tooth-colored fillings that fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
  • Once the cavity has grown too big, causing the tooth to lose much of its structure, a crown may be the only way to restore the tooth’s shape and function. These treatments cost a bit more than just a simple filling.
  • Root canals. A root canal is often the only way to save the tooth once the tooth decay has progressed too much, where the diseased pulp is cleaned and sealed. A crown may be necessary if to restore the tooth to its proper form and function.
  • Tooth extraction. In the worst possible case, the dentist may have to remove the affected teeth to prevent tooth decay from spreading even further. Aesthetically, having a missing tooth or two just doesn’t look good. Though, the various health risks it poses shouldn’t be neglected as well.

 

One good reason why you shouldn’t let tooth decay progress even further is not just the possible loss of teeth, but how it can progress to periodontitis.

This form of gum disease is very dangerous and may put you at risk for various complications, ranging from heart disease and diabetes, among others. Even worse is that it’s not easy to cure, nor is it curable in most cases, often only manageable through regular treatments, which can be quite expensive.

To put simply, you should always go to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Though, if you’re already there, might as well ask for a list of possible treatment options and have tooth decay taken care of right there and then.

Of course, prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to do this is to brush and floss daily, as well as visit the dentist regularly for checkups and thorough cleaning sessions.

If you feel that you may be suffering from tooth decay, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment for a checkup today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

The Use of Nitrous Oxide in Dentistry

Sleep Dentistry, , , ,


A woman laying in the grass with her eyes closed.Dental anxiety is a real thing and is very common in both adults and children. While some adults suffering from dental anxiety tend to have ways to cope, there are those that have a hard time entertaining the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair long enough to finish even a simple checkup.

In these cases, the dentist may suggest a form of medicine to help a patient feel more relaxed or sleepy, but still widely conscious. The patient will still be able to move around and respond normally to voice, as well as other stimuli.

More often than not, the effects of the medicine will last until the treatment is finished.

One form of medicine commonly used by dentists is Nitrous Oxide

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used to help patients who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fear of the dentist and makes them feel more comfortable. The effect often lasts throughout the whole treatment, calming the patient and allowing the dentist to proceed safely with the treatment.

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, then the patient is asked to wear a mask and breathe in the laughing gas through their nose. Slowly, it will take effect and will eventually make the feel comfortable, even giddy in some cases.

The dentist will often adjust the levels of the gas administered, depending on the type of treatment involved. Also, dentists have received the necessary training and education to know how to prevent their patients from being overdosed.

Benefits

The main benefit of nitrous oxide is that it is inhaled through a mask, which makes the ideal option for patients who are afraid of needles. Also, since it is in gas form, it tends to take effect quickly.

The effects quickly wear off as well, and the gas is often completely gone from the patient’s body just five minutes after the mask is taken off. This makes it possible for patients to move around normally as they would and even drive safely without needing someone to accompany them to-and-from the dentist’s office.

Nitrous oxide can also be used by just about anyone, from kids, to adults, to even people who have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Disadvantages

Of course, nitrous oxide is not perfect. It will not work for patients who are extremely anxious or are deathly afraid of sitting still in a dentist’s chair. Also, while this is a rare occurrence, nitrous oxide has been known to induce vomiting and nausea.

Those who have a cold or difficulty breathing through their nose are advised to postpone their treatment until they feel better.

Patients feel uncomfortable wearing an oxygen mask are advised to stay away from nitrous oxide sedation.

Patients who are suffering from medical conditions, such as emphysema and multiple sclerosis are not good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The same goes for pregnant women, specifically, those who are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Generally, however, nitrous oxide is one of the safest ways to sedate patients and calm them down enough to receive treatment safely and comfortable.

If you’re concerned about whether or not nitrous oxide sedation is safe for you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a local dentist.

If you feel that would benefits from nitrous oxide, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 to see if you would be a good candidate. Visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com to learn more about Dr. Clive Rosenbusch and his team.