Going to the dentist is a famously common fear, with some people outright avoiding making an appointment unless they're in urgent need of dental care. The irony of this, of course, is that the more often you see a dentist, the less likely you are to need uncomfortable treatments.
More common than avoidance, however, is dishonesty. People often mislead their dentist about various aspects of their lives, perhaps out of a fear of being criticised or embarrassed.
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Dentures are by far the most common solution to missing teeth, and they're a simple but very effective way to eat properly, retain your confidence and keep your jaw healthy. Perhaps you've already had teeth removed, and you're finally getting dentures, or perhaps you're about to have one or more teeth taken out, and you'll be fitted for dentures right after. Either way, it's certainly a chance that takes a bit of time to get used to.
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Your natural gag reflex is generally a good thing—this reflex protects you when there is a danger of something large going down your throat that might block your airways. However, some people have a more sensitive gag reflex than others or may find that oral stress triggers gagging.
Kids with this kind of hyper-sensitivity can find it really tough to get through dental check-ups. They may gag if your dentist touches areas at the back or roof of their mouths or may be so anxious about gagging at the wrong time that they can't deal with having the dentist's fingers anywhere in their mouths.
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Most people are aware of the importance of a mouth guard in protecting the teeth. They cover the upper or lower teeth and minimise the damage that may occur as a result of contact or accidents. Mouth guards come in handy for children who engage in contact sports, mountain climbing and gymnastics.
Children who have a habit of grinding teeth in their sleep also use mouth guards. The thermoplastic material prevents the constant damage that teeth grinding can cause over time.
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A bleeding wound in your mouth can be a cause for alarm, whether the blood is coming from a damaged tooth or from a wound on your gums. It's not as though you can simply put a band aid over it and get on with your day. While minor bleeding might disappear of its own accord, a dentist might need to intervene when the issue is more serious. But what can you do to control the blood flow before you can get to the dentist?
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