Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center - October 2023

Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!

OCTOBER 2023

*NEW ADDRESS! TYLER

LONGVIEW

3665 US Highway 259 N Longview, TX 75605

1520 Rice Road Suite 100 Tyler, TX 75703

903-758-5551

903-597-2201

www.texassedationdental.com

SAY GOODBYE TO DENTAL ANXIETY … And Hello to a Confident, Healthy Smile!

For many, Halloween is a time of spooky fun with costumes, haunted houses, and thrilling scares around every corner — even from the comfort of your couch if you enjoy scary movies. But for some, the real fright happens when they think about visiting the dentist. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 36% of people experience dental anxiety and fear, preventing them from seeking the essential oral health care they need. This apprehension can cause these individuals to avoid dental check-ups and treatments and may stem from a variety of sources, including:

to making every patient’s journey as comfortable as possible. We have two different types of sedation here in our offices: oral and intravenous. ORAL SEDATION For those with mild to moderate anxiety or who fear needles or shots, oral sedation in the form of a pill can induce a profound sense of relaxation. Patients remain conscious but feel detached from the dental procedure. Oral sedation typically takes about an hour to kick in and is both safe and effective. Side effects may include a slight dry mouth that will wear off by the end of the day. INTRAVENOUS (IV) SEDATION IV sedation is a deeper level of sedation administered through an IV tube that’s placed in the hand. Patients are in a semi- conscious state but can still respond to commands. Many patients have little to no memory of the procedure. Some side effects may include drowsiness, temporary dizziness and nausea, or headaches. In our offices, we understand that some individuals are so terrified of the dentist they avoid even scheduling an appointment. That’s why we go the extra mile. In some cases, we meet patients in their cars or a comfortable, neutral space

outside of our office. Building trust and rapport are essential to helping patients overcome their dental anxiety. Witnessing the transformation of fearful patients into confident, anxiety-free individuals is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. Patients who once avoided the dentist at all costs can now receive the dental care they need, improving their health and overall well-being. This Halloween season (and all year round), instead of letting dental anxiety cast a shadow over your oral health, give us a call at our Tyler or Longview office. Our team of experts is here to dispel your fears, provide top-notch dental care, and help you enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. -Dr. Travis Kendall

• • • • •

Past traumatic experiences

Fear of pain

Loss of control Embarrassment

Needles and instruments

CONQUERING DENTAL FEARS WITH SEDATION DENTISTRY Sedation dentistry is the beacon of hope for individuals grappling with dental anxiety, offering various levels of sedation to cater to each patient’s unique needs. At Texas Sedation Dentistry, we understand that overcoming dental fear is a process, and our compassionate team is dedicated

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COOK WITH YOUR KIDS TO MAKE MEALTIME MEANINGFUL!

NO. 1: COOKING TEACHES LIFE SKILLS. It may seem far off, but one day, your child will have to cook for themselves and eventually their own children, too. By teaching them the basics of cooking now, you’re providing them with a skill they’ll need to be capable adults. NO. 2: COOKING CREATES AN ADVENTUROUS EATER. Imagine seeing something like asparagus or artichoke on the plate in front of you for the first time and being told you must eat that weird- looking thing. That’s how many children experience food for the first time, which can feel like a scary experience. Kids who help cook in the kitchen are much more likely to try new and adventurous foods because they’re exposed to them and other ingredients over a period of time. They touch, slice, smell, crush, and season the foods before they ever eat them. So, by the time it hits their plate, it’s not so scary! NO. 3: COOKING PROMOTES HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT. Time spent in the kitchen isn’t all about eating, either. While cooking, children stir, mix, measure, roll, squeeze, spread, observe, learn, and count. These activities all help develop fine motor, hand-eye coordination, math, and science skills, not to mention creativity!

As a parent, it can be incredibly challenging to nail down the perfect weeknight dinner menu that makes every hungry mouth in your home happy. This is especially true when you have picky little ones who demand waffles for dinner or dinosaur chicken nuggets seven nights a week. You may feel like your days as a short-order cook are endless, but we’re here to tell you about a simple trick to making healthier meals everyone in your family will enjoy.

The trick is quite simple: Have your kids cook

with you! Cooking with your kids has

multiple benefits that stretch far beyond the kitchen table, but the immediate reward is that you won’t cook alone anymore! Next time dinner time rolls around, grab your little sous-chefs to lend a hand so they can enjoy these three benefits.

Protect Your Smile

THE SURPRISING LINK BETWEEN SLEEP APNEA AND DENTAL HEALTH

ACID REFLUX Acid reflux, often associated with sleep apnea, can lead to acid erosion of tooth enamel. During your dental appointments and checkups, we can identify signs of acid erosion and provide guidance on managing acid reflux. ORAL HYGIENE Poor sleep can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation to maintain good oral hygiene. Neglecting oral care can exacerbate dental issues, and regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial to protect your smile and oral health. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are experiencing dental complications related to it, don’t let it go untreated. Schedule a visit with our dental health professionals and a sleep specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan!

According to the American Medical Association, in the U.S., roughly 30 million people have some form of sleep apnea, but only 6 million individuals are diagnosed with it. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, leading to disrupted rest and potential health complications. While the primary treatment for sleep apnea often involves continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or other medical interventions, there is an emerging understanding of the connection between sleep apnea and dental health.

tissue in the throat can contribute to airway obstruction. During routine check-ups at Texas Sedation Dentistry, we can visually assess these factors. BRUXISM Many individuals with sleep apnea also experience bruxism, which is teeth grinding during sleep. The clenching and grinding can lead to dental problems such as worn- down teeth, fractures, and jaw pain. In our offices, we can identify signs of bruxism and offer solutions like custom nightguards. DRY MOUTH Breathing through the mouth during sleep, which is common in sleep apnea sufferers, can lead to dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our dental professionals can recommend strategies to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

Check out some of the ways dental health and sleep apnea are intertwined.

ORAL ANATOMY The structure of the mouth and throat plays a significant role in sleep apnea, as enlarged tonsils, a large tongue, or excess

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Discover Effective Solutions to Combat Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth Grinding Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep, can wear down enamel and lead to sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is a common dental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by a sharp, temporary discomfort or pain in response to various stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, and even cold air. While tooth sensitivity can be bothersome, understanding its causes, symptoms, and available solutions can help you manage and alleviate this condition effectively.

BEET SALAD

Inspired by EatingWell.com

Known for their earthy yet sweet flavor, beets are the perfect main ingredient for a delicious fall salad.

SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY

• 5–6 medium beets • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry or white- wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 tsp honey INGREDIENTS

The most common symptoms are: • Sudden, sharp pain • Discomfort when brushing • Painful sensation while eating • Pain when exposed to hot and cold temperatures

• 1/2 tsp salt • Freshly ground pepper, to taste • 1 large shallot, finely chopped • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY

TOOTH SENSITIVITY SOLUTIONS

DIRECTIONS 1.

Worn Tooth Enamel Over time, the protective enamel covering your teeth can wear down, exposing the sensitive dentin layer beneath. Receding Gums Gum recession can expose the tooth roots, which are not as well-protected as the crown of the tooth, making them more susceptible to sensitivity. Tooth Decay Cavities and dental decay can lead to sensitivity, especially when they reach the tooth’s inner pulp. Aggressive Brushing Brushing your teeth with excessive force or using a hard-bristle toothbrush can erode enamel and contribute to sensitivity. Acidic Foods and Beverages Consuming acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, and certain wines can gradually wear down enamel.

Using Desensitizing Toothpaste Specialized toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help block pain signals from reaching the nerve endings in your teeth. Getting Fluoride Treatment Professional fluoride treatments in our offices can strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity. Changing Your Toothbrush Opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush and practice gentle brushing techniques to prevent further enamel erosion.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Separate beets between 2 pieces of foil; bring edges together and crimp to make packets. Roast until beets are just tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 1/4 hours. Unwrap beets and let cool. 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make dressing. 3. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel off skins. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add celery, shallot, and dressing, then toss to coat well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

TAKE A BREAK

Candy Costume Gourds Halloween Haunted Moon Raven Tricks Vampire Werewolf Witch Zombie

Wearing a Mouthguard Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard at night can

protect your teeth from further damage if you grind your teeth.

By understanding the many causes of tooth sensitivity, recognizing the symptoms, and following proper dental hygiene practices, you can enjoy a pain-free smile and improved oral health!

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TYLER - 903-597-2201

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 TYLER - 903-597-2201 WWW.TEXASSEDATIONDENTAL.COM

3665 US HIGHWAY 259 N LONGVIEW, TX 75605

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

Discover the Magic of Sedation Dentistry

2

Kids in the Kitchen: Wholesome Family Bonding

Discover the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Your Smile

3

Sensitive Teeth Symptoms and Solutions

Beet Salad

4

Full Brain Activation: The Real Story Unveiled

You’ve probably watched some action-packed movie where the premise relies entirely on the belief that we only use 10% of our brains. The protagonist somehow “unlocks” their full brain potential and gains superhuman abilities. While movies like “Lucy” and “Limitless” are undoubtedly entertaining, the concept that we only utilize 10% of our brains is entirely false. Despite this widespread belief being entirely inaccurate, many believe it to be a valid scientific finding. In fact, one survey found that 65% of Americans believe in the 10% theory. Even more MIND OVER MYTH:

Individuals with degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease still use more than 10% of their brains. The Truth Behind Our Brain Power Our evolutionary process also would have ensured the useless 90% of our brains would go away through natural selection if this myth were true. When it comes to brain activity, each part of our brain has a function.

WHERE DID THE 10% MYTH COME FROM?

Despite being a common misbelief, the exact source of this myth is unclear. Many threads lead back to various archaic

frightening is the study that revealed nearly 50% of primary and secondary school teachers in many countries believe this myth. So, how much of our brains do we really use?

medical findings that were either misconstrued or outdated and inaccurate. It’s plausible that

pseudoscientists, psychics, and self-help gurus falsely perpetuated the 10% myth to sell the desire to “unlock our full potential.”

UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR BRAIN POWER.

With the help of modern technology such as PET (positron emission tomography) scans and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), we can clearly see that humans use all of their brains at all times. Yes, even when we sleep!

So, the next time you hear someone mention we only use 10% of our brains, you can dispute that myth with abundant and trustworthy scientific sources to back you up.

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