Author Archive: velontra

Be aware of the symptoms of TMJ, a jaw disorder; here’s what to look for

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Have you ever opened your mouth and heard a clicking or popping sound?

Does your jaw seem to get stuck like it is locked or out of place?

Maybe you have pain in and around your ear, especially when you chew.

Chances are you’re suffering from TMJ Disorder.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is like a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint combines the hinge action with sliding motions so that you can eat and talk. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint area are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disc which normally keeps the movement smooth.

Think of the difficulties similar to when a car is out of alignment and the shock absorbers don’t work well. It throws off the car function —j
ust like TMJ does for the mouth and jaw.

There are more than three million cases of TMJ problems in the U.S. every year. This common disorder has a few risk factors: a jaw injury, long-term grinding or clenching of the teeth, some connective tissue diseases that cause problems affecting the TMJ joint and arthritis, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Stress can also be a contributor. It causes some people to tighten up their facial muscles and thus, the teeth clenching and grinding occurs.

Dr. Shelley Shearer

Symptoms of TMJ Problems:

  • Pain in the neck and shoulders
  • Migraines or chronic headaches
  • Pain in the face, jaw or ear area
  • Trouble hearing
  • Pressure in ears or ringing in the ears
  • Swelling of the face
  • Dizziness and vision problems
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • Jaw muscle stiffness
  • Locking of the joint, making opening or closing the mouth difficult
  • Earaches
  • The clicking or popping sound when opening and closing the mouth

Visit a dentist when these symptoms occur.

Your dentist will examine your jaw and observe your range of motion, listen to your jaw when you open and close your mouth, and press various areas near your jaw to identify areas of pain and discomfort. If a problem is suspected you may simply need some pain relievers. If the problem seems a tad more complex, you may require dental x-rays, a CT scan to view detailed images of the bones near the joint, and perhaps a MRI to look deeper into problems with the disc and surrounding soft tissue. Surgery is rare.

There are various ways to manage TMJ pain. Dentists may prescribe muscle relaxers to mitigate the discomfort. Botox is often used to reduce tension and relax muscles so that they can heal properly. Mouth guards are helpful in two ways — they prevent teeth from grinding and mouths from clenching, and they help realign the jaw. Ice is recommended about 15 minutes per hour. Stress relief techniques and behavior modification therapy can help the mind and body loosen its grip on the jaw tension as well as physical therapists who are well-versed about the mouth and jaw areas.

Patients who have dealt with TMJ pain are often told to alter their behaviors to prevent future pain:

  • Practice simple jaw stretching and relaxation exercises
  • Switch to a diet of soft foods to enable the TMJ problem to relax
  • Seek the help of a therapist if your stress continues to cause major mouth clenching
  • Ask your dentist about a mouth guard to avoid clenching and grinding during sleep
  • Consider limiting activities that require large jaw movements such as cheerleading, singing, and yawning
  • Continue good oral health with daily toothbrush and flossing and regular dental check-ups

The good news is that TMJ problems are easily identified and a quick trip to the dentist can ensure that the problem doesn’t become more severe.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Tips for parents on creative back-to-school dental routines (and pack healthy lunches)

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Routine. That’s the key to a successful start of the school year.

While you establish set schedules for bedtime, homework and electronic device time, don’t forget to enforce dental routines.

Here’s an easy guide for every parent.

Establish Daily Dental Rituals
Set times for tooth-brushing and flossing. Remember when your little one went through infant sleep training? You created rituals so that the baby knew it was bedtime.

The same goes for youngsters. It may be a routine that involves ending the last round of Fortnight, bath, jammies, tooth brushing/flossing, storytime and bed.

Whatever it is, stick to it and brushing teeth will soon become an automatic behavior. A creative way to get two minutes of brushing in is to play a beloved two-minute song. Though you may have to suffer through 120 seconds of that annoying Baby Shark song, remember, it’s only two minutes and you are creating a habit that will hopefully last to adulthood.

The same holds true for mornings.

This is a tougher time since getting particular children out of bed can be a challenge. Some parents use a motivational chart or posted checklist to inspire completion of morning activities.

Children receive a sticker or checkmark for their accomplishments: up on time, dressed and at the breakfast table on schedule, teeth brushed and flossed, and at the door with backpack zipped at the correct time. Their end-of-week reward can be a range of incentives: an ice cream cone, extra video game time, a new book or something else they cherish.

Get Used to Packing Daily Healthy Lunches
Nutritious eating leads to strong teeth. Packing a tooth-friendly lunch is easier than many think. While it goes without saying that sugary lunch snacks can lead to cavities, why not pack some sweet fruit? Strawberries, blueberries grapes, and bananas are kid favorites.

The fruit can be accompanied by carrots, celery (perhaps with some peanut butter), cherry tomatoes, snap peas and if possible, a bit of broccoli. Add some cheddar cheese cubes for more variety.

In addition to avoiding sugar, consider the effects of pretzels and chips. These carb-laden treats break down into a sticky goo that coats the teeth and can just as easily lead to cavities.

A small water bottle can complete the lunch and if permissible, hydrate your child all day.

Use Events to Trigger Regular Dental Check-Up Reminders
Most of America now knows that moving the clock back an hour means it’s time to inspect home smoke detectors. Why not create your own milestone to signal time for a dental visit? It could be the start of school, the first report card, a birthday, the beginning of the World Series or some other recurring event. Once children know this routine, they may be the ones reminding mom and dad about scheduling a visit.

However you launch the school year, know that it can be a fun time for parents and children with creative rituals and small incentives to establish a dental routine that will last for a lifetime.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

These aren’t your father’s dentures; they may be necessary and, today, they look natural

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Just like cars, television and beer, dentures have dramatically changed since Pop’s heyday. Dentures used to be jagged, ill-fitting, uncomfortable to wear and looked unnatural. Not anymore.

Today dentures come in partial and full sizes for the mouth, are made quicker than ever and look like natural teeth.

Approximately 37 million American adults currently wear full or partial dentures. That’s a lot of people considering that modern dentistry has been preaching prevention for the past few decades.

Dentures are needed for two primary reasons: an abundance of cavity stricken teeth that have been or need to be extracted, or gum disease. With the gum disease (gingivitis) the bone loss is so great that the remaining teeth cannot be supported. They become loose and cause jawbone problems, trouble eating and sometimes speaking.

That’s what happened to our first President, George Washington. He lost his first adult tooth when he was 22 and had just one left by the time he became President. Contrary to popular belief, his dentures were not made of wood. On inauguration Day his false teeth were composed of hippopotamus and elephant ivory, held together by gold springs.

So if you are missing some or all of your teeth like George Washington, dentures can be your best bet. The great news is that they are quick to make, fit beautifully and cannot be distinguished from your real teeth! As an added plus, you can eat just about anything with confidence. They are available in partial dentures to replace sections of missing teeth, and full dentures which replace an entire arch in the mouth. There’s also an option of attaching dentures to implants, making them ultra-firm in place and providing the feeling of having original teeth again.

The yucky molds with gooey putty that were sent back and forth to labs are a thing of the past. They have been replaced with 3-dimensional images on the computer. The computer creates a design of your mouth that is able to customize the correct measurements for dentures. The imaging looks at existing teeth and where dentures would sit once any targeted remaining teeth are extracted. The images are reviewed by the dentist to ensure everything will be in place. That means no extra office visits for our patients.

While you are at the office, your computerized images are immediately used. The new teeth are milled in a special machine. The preshrunk material used to create the dentures helps to ensure a terrific fit and lessens the need for any adjustments. The new teeth are ready for you that day or when you return for any necessary tooth extractions. This technology also creates digital files stored on a computer. If you ever lose or damage your dentures, a new set can be made without any extra office visits.

This is all great news for those who require full or partial dentures. But I would be remiss if I did not tell you how to avoid having dentures in the first place. So here it goes:

Visit the dentist every six months

For some reason, people think that if they brush and floss every day, they’ll be exempt from the dental chair. But unbeknownst to them, mouth problems creep up that only a trip to the dentist can detect—plaque hidden behind molars, the beginning of gum disease and many more challenges. If not caught in time, tooth decay may result in lost teeth and eventually, the need for partial or full dentures will arise

Press the pause button on trouble eating chewy or hard food

Some chalk it up to aging. They can’t eat taffy like they did as a kid so they think nothing of it. The reality is that many denture wearers confess that they lost their teeth due to a cracked tooth from chomping on hard candy, an abundance of cavities (think back to that taffy) or undetected gum disease because they neglected dental visits.

Send up a flare to your dentist if your gums are swollen, red or bleeding

There’s always a reason behind gum problems and it’s not good news. Dentists are like psychics when they see a gum going bad. They can save teeth if you plop down in the dental chair soon enough.

Put your dentist on speed dial if you are missing some teeth and others are loose or shifting, making wider gaps between teeth

This happens when gum disease takes over and you didn’t heed the warning of red, swollen gums. The gums and jaw start acting up because they no longer have the strength to support the teeth. Get help fast.

Call the office if you’ve stopped smiling

We get it. You are embarrassed because that tooth gap is bigger than David Letterman’s. A few others may be rotting around it. Don’t let your feelings of humiliation get in the way of a dental visit. We can fix things before tooth loss occurs. A beautiful smile can uplift your self-esteem.

Talk to your dentist if have a toothache or tummy ache

That intense pain can be a sign that decay has progressed so much that the tooth nerves are under attach. See a dentist quickly to determine if the tooth—or teeth—are salvageable. As for the stomachache, your teeth may be the culprit. Have a discussion about any trouble chewing that could result in bigger than usual pieces of food being digested.

Dentists are here to help. We will try our best to save your teeth, but when that’s not possible, know that the very best in technology can assist you with comfortable, new teeth that if cared for, will last a lifetime.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

It’s June and the season for Bridal Botox and teeth whitening for those weddings

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The venue is selected, dresses purchased, bridal showers planned and now it’s time to rejuvenate the face and teeth at the dentist’s office.

The dentist?

Of course.

Dentists’ advanced training in the oral and maxillofacial areas (the face from chin to forehead) makes them the ideal healthcare professionals to deliver Botox to brides-to-be. We already know that dentists are the go-to pros for whiter teeth.

Not surprisingly, Botox treatment isn’t just for the bride anymore. Dentists are finding that bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, aunts and even grandmothers want to look their best for the big day and all those keepsake photos. Recent statistics indicate that millions of people in the U.S. use Botox each year to smooth facial wrinkles. It is now the most common cosmetic procedure in the nation.Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin which comes in the form of a purified protein. It blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle is unable to contract, causing wrinkles to relax and soften. Between three to 10 days after treatment, the skin above those muscles becomes smooth and radiant.Everyone responds differently to Botox treatment. The key is to dramatically reduce wrinkles without eliminating regular facial expression. Who can be better equipped to do this than a dentist—the doctor who spends hours each day working on the facial, oral and perioral areas of the face?

The effects of the procedure last three to four months.

Since Botox treatment was approved by the FDA in 2002, it has come a long way. Trained dentists see it as a regular part of their cosmetic dentistry practice. Skeptics wonder about side effects. While the procedure is relatively safe since becoming mainstream, there are possible side effects like with any procedure. They include pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site; headache of flu-like symptoms; drooling or a crooked smile; droopy eyelid or eyebrows seemingly out of place; and excessive tearing or eye dryness.

The procedure is quick and easy, usually lasting no more than 15 minutes so the bride can return home for wedding planning. Within one to three days the results are noticeable. To ensure that no complications interfere with the big day, dentists normally advise the bride/bridal party to come in a month to six weeks before the wedding. That way, there will be no threat of noticeable bruising or other minor changes in the face when they walk down the aisle.

Dentists have the training and extensive experience with Botox that other healthcare professionals do not often have. After all, we give injections all the time in these facial areas, thus giving us quite an advantage over such disciplines as dermatology and plastic surgery.

Brides and the bridal party are encouraged to visit dentists for teeth whitening. Since time is precious with wedding events, the quickest process for teeth whitening is the state-of-the-art zoom whitening device. You put the impression made especially for you in your mouth, it is filled with solution, and you place your mouth on the device for an hour and a half. You can watch movies to make the time pass. Younger people can see their smile brighten three of four shades brighter; older patients can expect two to three shades brighter.

The dynamic duo of teeth whitening and Botox promise to beautify the smile and intensify skin glow. Brides can thank dentists for making their big day even more special.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Shelley Shearer: Misaligned jaw causes overbites, underbites, conditions that your dentist can treat

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In our society, someone with protruding teeth or enlarged jaw is often taunted by their peers. When the upper and lower teeth don’t meet comfortably, the cause is usually a misaligned jaw.

Dentists often see overbites, when the upper teeth protrude, and underbites when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. While some bite problems are harmless, others can cause discomfort, pain and damage to the teeth and jaw. When the condition is severe, it can interfere with eating, breathing, sleeping and speech.

How Do I Know If I Have a Bad Bite?

  • Abnormal alignment of teeth
  • You bite down hard and feel pain in a particular tooth or discomfort in the jaw joint
  • Abnormal appearance of the face
  • You’ve given yourself the “clench test.” Close your mouth and bite down hard. Do any teeth hurt when you do this? Can you grind your teeth in a circular motion and not feel pain?
  • Difficulty when chewing or biting
  • Jaw joint pain or noises
  • Speech problems, especially a lisp
  • You notice severe wear on your teeth, especially on the edges where the enamel has worn away from the grind of other teeth
  • Well-meaning friends may comment on your unusual jaw line and affect your self-esteem

Shelley Shearer

Don’t Feel Guilty

Many abnormal bites are inherited. Take a look at Pop and Meemaw’s teeth and jaws. You may see mouths that are too small for their teeth, thus causing overcrowding. Maybe they have crooked teeth, overbites or underbites.

Those who realize they have genetic problems from parents or grandparents should seek treatment. They must also attempt to ween their own children from pacifiers and thumb-sucking as soon as possible. Allowing these practices to linger can cause the mouth and jaw to grow disproportionately. Begin taking the kids to the dentist as soon as baby teeth start developing. This will help catch misalignment and teeth growing crooked. Yes, baby teeth fall out. But their presence creates the positioning for the incoming permanent teeth!

 

Treatment

Dentists call a mismatched bite “malocclusion.” Abnormal bites are often categorized into four levels. The first is the most common; the bite is normal but the lower teeth are overlapped by the top teeth. An overbite is considered the second level. The third level is an underbite. The last category includes the most severe cases such as so much overcrowding that teeth must be removed or the need is great for Invisalign or headgear to straighten out teeth and jaws. Fortunately, modern dentistry can work wonders not available even a decade ago.

For jaws, a bite splint is often used. This dental appliance is similar to a mouth guard. It holds the jaw in place to relieve pain and tension. Another favorable option for jaw misalignment is cosmetic dentistry. In many cases, a dentist can reshape the lower teeth and apply veneers to the upper teeth. It doesn’t totally repair the jaw misalignment, but it makes the problem less noticeable and allows the lower teeth to rest behind the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, bringing much-needed relief.

For teeth, Invisalign has come a long way for adults to obtain straight teeth without the unsightly, sparking metal of yesteryear. It is quick, invisible and does not interfere with daily life. Many dentists are now trained in Invisalign with amazing results. And as the teeth straighten, the bite improves, making chewing and even talking much more enjoyable. When treated early, teeth alignment issues are quicker, easier and less expensive to treat. The more tooth crowding there is, the more difficult they are to clean. The result is an increased risk for tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis (gum disease).

Of course, exceptional circumstances may lead to misalignment. Injuries in the mouth area, especially for youngsters, can cause their future growth to go awry. While most accidents can’t be avoided, those engaged in sports can have added protection. That’s why mouth guards are recommended.

Sometimes dental work can lead to an additional problem. Fillings, crowns and braces can cause the mouth to shift in a growing child…and even in adults. This is yet another reason for regular dental checkups.

If left untreated, malocclusion can affect your oral health leading to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), muscle pain, chronic neck and joint pain, headaches, further tooth movement and wear and tear on your teeth. Work with your dentist to create a treatment plan aimed at the relief you need to regain maximum quality of life.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Bad breath? How to avoid this social embarrassment — and achieve good dental hygiene

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A collective moan from dentists around the country occurred when a Super Bowl commercial debuted with a seemingly successful “close talker” whose obnoxious feat is due to using a particular toothpaste.

While brushing is indeed part of the solution to combating bad breath, dentists know that the remedy is more complicated than a mere tooth brushing.

Are people avoiding you? Do your dinner companions steer you away from eating garlic or onions? Do friends continuously offer you mints or gum?

More than 80 million people suffer from Halitosis, the medical term for bad breath. Chronic Halitosis doesn’t seem to go away no matter if you try to mask it with mints, gum or mouthwash. It can last for days, even years.

It can also surface due to smoking, chewing tobacco, one’s diet or poor-fitting dentures where food particles get stuck and can cause disease to erupt. In severe cases, there could be a medical problem or advanced gum disease that contributes to Halitosis.Bad breath comes primarily from poor dental hygiene.

Want to avoid bad breath? Here are the best recommendations:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day. If you maintain this practice for two or three minutes at a time, you can remove much plaque and food debris lodged around your teeth.
  • Floss daily. Yes, flossing is essential to remove food that takes residence between the teeth that regular brushing cannot reach.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Everyone needs cleanings once, and preferably twice a year, to remove tartar and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. A dental exam will reveal if the bad breath stems from poor hygiene or if things have escalated into infection, gum disease or advanced tooth decay.
  • Quit smoking. In addition to the risk of lung disease, tobacco odor is difficult to get rid of, especially from the mouth. Think about quitting smoking and chewing tobacco for your physical and dental well-being.
  • Drink water. A dry mouth slows down the production of saliva, which protects teeth from bacteria building up. Staying hydrated also pushes away nasty food particles and lingering odors. If you have chronic dry mouth or take medications that cause dry mouth, your dentist can recommend an over-the-counter saliva substitute.

Many experts believe that consuming green tea helps alleviate bacteria in the mouth. They have also added to the list some anti-bacterial spices: cloves, cinnamon sticks, and parsley, to name a few.

Contrary to popular belief, mouthwash is not a miracle elixir that will cure bad breath. It may mask it for a short while like sucking on some breath mints, but it does not dissolve the bacteria that causes the problem. Sure, it’s suitable to pop a mint in your mouth (hopefully sugarless) if you are mingling at a networking event. But it is a temporary fix.

Halting Halitosis is simple.

Embrace good oral hygiene. If you drink plenty of water and brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly, chances are you will maintain a beautiful smile and avoid the plague of social embarrassment.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Get the royal dental treatment with a crown to restore tooth’s function, appearance

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You don’t have to be a king or queen to proudly wear a crown. Just ask your dentist.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth. Teeth that have more filling than tooth left are prime candidates. Basically, if a dental filling is 2/3 or more of the width of the tooth, that tooth has little support and can crack. And wow, will that ever hurt!

Crowns are used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance, especially when decay is advanced. Signs for requiring a crown may become obvious such as pain when biting down. That could mean a fractured tooth. Unlike a broken bone that can heal, a cracked tooth with a deep fracture never recovers on its own.
Dentists suggest crowns when you:

  • Have a cavity that is too large for a filling
  • Have a tooth that is cracked or worn down beyond the enamel
  • Recently had root canal treatment where a crown can protect the dentist’s restorative handiwork
  • Need to cover a dental implant

How Does It Work?

First, a tooth needs to be slightly reduced in size so the crown will fit over it. Then, thanks to the latest technology, crowns can now be manufactured in the dental office while you wait.

Most of us have invested in machines such as the CEREC. It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It does all the work an outside lab used to do, instantly producing a crown while you sit comfortably in the office! You can now say goodbye to biting down on goo to make an impression, having to wear a temporary crown, waiting days or weeks for your permanent crown to come in, and making two or more trips to the dental office to achieve just the right fit. The ability to make a crown on the spot promises perfect positioning so that there is no irritation once you leave the office. That is certainly the royal treatment for our patients!

While gold used to be the preferred material for a crown, it is costly. Other materials are just as strong and long-lasting– various metal alloys and ceramics. If the front tooth is the problem area, the crown can be made of material that color-blends with your natural teeth for a terrific, inconspicuous look.The CEREC machine provides computerized 3-D technology. A tiny camera presents the digital image that is fed into a computer. Patients can even view it on a screen if they wish. Most amazing is that the crown can be milled in less than five minutes. Think of it like how an architect uses CAD equipment to make a 3-D image of a structure. In our case, it’s an image of your future smile.

Most people don’t realize that your little prince or princess may actually need a crown on baby teeth. Special little ones need a crown to:

  • Protect the teeth of a child at high risk for tooth decay, especially when the child has a disability that prevents keeping up with daily oral hygiene
  • Save a tooth that is so damaged that it can’t support a filling
  • Assist a child who has a behavioral or unusual medical history that prevents proper dental care.

A quality crown can last decades with proper care. That means flossing in the area around the crown to ensure no plaque or debris settles around the restoration area. And brushing twice a day. Most dentists frown on patients munching on ice, nuts, hard candy or brittle foods. They can damage the crown.

Also tough on crowns are teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These challenges can be tackled with the latest dental appliances. Just ask your dentist. We have easy solutions and state-of-the art technology that can take care of these habits and save teeth.

Remember: it’s better to display your crown like royalty than to prolong the process, lose a tooth (or more) and either display a huge gap in the mouth or have to opt for a dental implant. Dental offices have come a long way in assisting fearful or procrastinating patients too. So what are you waiting for? It may be time to get crowned.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Shelley Shearer: The A.B.C.’s of caring for your baby’s teeth; start good, healthy habits early

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One of the biggest decisions new parents face is when a baby should first see a dentist.

Should it be when the first tooth breaks through or when the youngster turns one? Or is it best to wait until all the baby teeth have grown in?

As a mother and a dentist, I have experienced firsthand the lingering questions involving tooth and mouth development. Here, for all young parents, are my ABCs of baby dental care.

Approximately when should the first visit be scheduled?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by the age of one or within six months after the first tooth emerges.

Using the child’s first birthday is an easy way to remember when to make the visit. It is the perfect time to have teeth and gums checked. Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are important to the little one’s development. These little chompers are vital because they:

  • Help children develop clear speech
  • Facilitate correct chewing and nutrition
  • Prepare the landscape for the exact spots where the permanent teeth will take over

Baby teeth, brushing and pacifiers

Tooth brushing starts in infancy. It removes plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.

Soft-bristled, extra-small toothbrushes are now sold just for babies. The tooth brushing should occur at least once a day with a bit of flossing. If you do this at bedtime, it starts to build a routine that the child will follow for a lifetime. Make the session fun. Let them watch you. Parents are the best role models a child can have.

Dentists are often asked about pacifiers and thumb sucking.

Parents worry that the roof of the mouth will not develop correctly.That is true. Of even greater concern is deformity of the jawbone. Try to ween the little one off the pacifier as soon as possible. If using the pacifier or thumb/finger sucking persists too long, dentists have mouth appliances that will help dissuade the child from the habit. It is used starting at the age of three.

Every dental office encounters old fashioned remedies to quiet babies. While we are partial to our Kentucky heritage, definitely don’t use bourbon or any other kind of alcohol to soothe a teething baby’s gums. Dentists can prescribe or suggest ointments to reduce the pain of teething. Also, a crying baby should never be calmed with a pacifier dipped in honey or sugar. It’s an invitation to a future of gum disease. In some cases, gagging has occurred.

Remember: baby teeth are crucial to the mouth’s development.

Disease can cause a multitude of problems for years to come.

Tooth decay and jaw deformity also extends to nursing. Try not to let a baby fall asleep while nursing or with a bottle in their mouth.

Confidence-building for future visits

First visits are mostly about getting kids used to the dentist’s chair and educating parents about how to care for their baby’s teeth. Some dentists schedule a “happy visit.” Along with a parent the child watches the hygienist clean a patient’s teeth.

Then the little one is asked if they would like to sit in the chair. This gives the dentist a chance to conduct an evaluation of your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and oral tissues to see if there are any problematic areas that need attention. Depending on the assessment, a gentle cleaning or x-ray may be recommended. It’s also an opportunity to learn how to gently brush and even floss your little one’s teeth. By starting visits around the first birthday, chances are the toddler is too young to be nervous. This should make future appointments anxiety-free.

To prepare for the visit, see if your child can accompany you to your own dental appointment. Maybe grandma can come along to help. You can also “play dentist” at home. Examine each other’s teeth with a mirror and play the tooth-counting game. Say things like “open wide” to each other so the child becomes familiar with a typical exam.

Last, your dentist or local bookstore can recommend books on dental visits geared just for toddlers. With preparation and commitment to regular checkups, and knowing your ABCs, your child will enjoy a lifetime of fearless dental visits and a glorious smile for a lifetime.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Shelley Shearer: Stop fearing the dentist — anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from proper preventive care

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Each year severe fear and anxiety prevent millions of Americans from seeking proper preventive dental care. The consequences of this problem may go far beyond dental pain or lost teeth. Gum disease is a serious infection that can affect other parts of the body. Studies now link it to illnesses including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Fear must not get into the way of enjoying a good quality of life.

Dentists identify several reasons why dental fear gets the best of us:

  • A childhood traumatic experience in a dental office
  • Fear of needles
  • Gag reflex problems
  • The sound and effects of drills
  • Fear of pain
  • Embarrassment about the current condition of one’s teeth
  • The loss of control through enduring sedation or lying prone while a dentist hovers over you.

Whatever your challenge may be, know that some dentists are very good at handling fearful patients and have an arsenal of methods and treatments to reduce or eliminate pain and alleviate fear in the dentist’s chair. That goes for adults as well as children.

Some dentists who treat fearful patients go out of their way to create a non-threatening environment. Modern dental offices now have soothing, home-like furniture, fireplaces, beautiful photos on the walls, water features, and a smiling, caring staff. Here are some tips to ensure that you select a dentist who is right for you.

1. Call the office, explain your particular fear and ask to speak to the dentist. If the dentist listens to your fears and can suggest options to calm you during treatment, that may be the professional for you. If you feel like that particular dentist is not a good fit for you, continue searching.

2. Ask if the dentist has a way for you to signal when to halt and then continue the procedure. Often it is a wave of the hand.

3. Check on various sedation methods used. Are you interested in a relaxed state or near unconsciousness? Nowadays sedatives can be inhaled, taken orally or through an IV. Only you know your comfort level. The dentist should be qualified to provide IV sedation and up to speed on local anesthesia and administration of nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas.” Anxiety about being sedated seem to fall into two categories. Some people fear they will be too awake and aware of the pain. They worry their teeth and gums won’t be numb enough and they’ll feel pain. Others perceive they will lose control if numb, leading to an unfounded fear of suffocation, choking or inability to swallow. It’s important to realize that for top teeth, only an individual tooth will be numbed. For bottom teeth, sometimes your tongue or cheek may feel swollen when numbed, but they won’t be. You lose sensation in these areas, but not function.

Once you have selected the dentist who is right for you, there are several ways you can prepare for the visit:

1. Practice guided imagery. You may be able to get yourself in a relaxed state if you close your eyes in a peaceful location and imagine you are at your favorite spot. It may be a walk on the beach or a hike through the forest. Imagining these activities will bring comfort and relaxation during dental procedures and transform your mind from the chair to an exotic, enjoyable location. Tell each body muscle to relax as you enjoy your journey. As an added bonus, perhaps wearing headphones will either drown out noisy distractions or provide comforting music.

2. Consider bringing a trusted close friend or relative with you to the visit. Their calmness and lack of dental fear will envelop you in a calm state.

3. Proactively address any intense fear with a trip to a psychologist prior to the dental visit. A therapist can pinpoint the source of fears and introduce various techniques to conquer any trepidation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is a type of talk therapy combined with behavior changes that desensitize patients to the dental drills, needles and equipment responsible for their fears. Through talk therapy, patients can work on effective coping strategies, substituting negative thoughts such as “the drill will hurt” with positive thoughts: “my smile is going to look sensational.” Psychologists are also trained to teach effective breathing techniques and muscle relaxation.

4. See if clutching an object or a stress ball can help. One dental office has an array of stuffed animals that patients of all ages are eager to hold tightly during a procedure.

If you have dental anxiety, it’s crucial to select a dentist who will listen and acknowledge your fears with real empathy. Then you can make 2019 your special year to get the dental work you have been putting off. This is the year for a renewed smile!

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.