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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : June 6, 2014 4:17 PM IST
A new research has claimed that millions of people could be cured of their fear of dentist surgeries with the help of electrotherapy. Scientists believe sending tiny electrical currents into the brain could help solve people's terrifying phobia of the dentist. Experts said a handheld device which transmits cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) reduced anxiety among those with a long fear of dentists, the Daily Express reported.
The study conducted in Nigeria said that the treatment is similar to the TENS machines used by pregnant women. The device stimulates nerves for therapeutic purposes and is used by expectant mothers for pain relief. Scientists believe sending tiny electrical currents into the brain could help solve people's terrifying phobia of the dentist. (Read: 8 tips for teeth that last for life)
The research is published in the Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences.
Why regular visits to the dentist is a good idea?
You must have often heard that it is very important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups generally, twice a year. But depending upon how good your oral health is you may need to visit your dentist either more frequently or less often. It could be as frequent as every three months or as less as once a year. But have you ever wondered why you need those regular dental check-ups in the first place? Here's why.
Prevention is better than cure
Regular dental check-ups can help bring a few lurking signs of impending oral conditions to notice so that preventive measures can be taken. During your regular check-ups your dentist will be able to check for conditions in the mouth that may put you at risk of developing any tooth decay, gum disease, etc.
One such risk factor is tartar or calculus (mineralised plaque) which is detrimental for the health of your teeth and gums. It cannot be easily removed even after you follow all the oral hygiene measures like brushing and flossing.Professional scaling or cleaning is the only way these mineralised deposits can be removed. (Read: Flossing top 10 facts you should know)
Other risk factors like dry mouth, improper position of teeth, faulty or irritating tooth fillings and dentures, partially impacted wisdom tooth, missing teeth, etc. may be identified and corrected to prevent cavities and/or gum disease, etc. If you are very susceptible to cavities your dentist may also apply protective coatings like dental sealants or fluoride gel on the grooves and fissures of your teeth to prevent decay. (Read: Why you shouldn't wait for pain to treat a cavity)
A stitch in time saves nine
The earlier the problems like cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, etc. are detected and promptly treated, the simpler the treatment procedures and the better the outcome.
Regular dental check-ups will diagnose such problems in the early stages and help nip them in the bud. If detected early, the initial signs of cavity can be reversed by re-calcification of enamel with fluoride treatment. But if left untreated, it can get larger and affect the dentin and pulp of the tooth. You will then need to get it either filled or get a root canal treatment (RCT) done followed by a restoration of the tooth with a crown. The tooth may also become so damaged that it would be beyond repair needing it to be extracted. (Read: When roots of the teeth are affected by decay)
Non-surgical methods like deep scaling or cleaning are enough to treat mild to moderate forms of gum disease. But advanced gum diseases will need surgery. In case of oral cancer, early detection followed by appropriate treatment is very important for increasing survival rate and improving the quality of life. (Read: 5 reasons why regular visits to the dentist is a good idea!)
With inputs from ANI
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