Though most people think of redheads as high-spirited and quick-tempered, research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that this population may also have increased dental anxiety. According to the study, people with a specific gene that often occurs in redheads tend to experience increased stress over dental visits.

For this study, researchers interviewed 144 people; 67 were natural redheads, and 77 had dark hair. Individuals with a specific gene, MC1R, were two times as likely to indicate avoiding dental appointments because of fear and anxiety as people without that gene. Eighty-five people in the study had the MC1R gene, and 65 were redheads. One theory is that redheads with this gene may be resistant to certain pain medications, so dental visits are particularly unappealing for these individuals.

A very real issue, dental anxiety keeps approximately 40 million Americans from routine dental care. No matter the color of your hair, the following suggestions can help you deal with dental phobia and receive the care you need to protect your smile and oral health.

Schedule appointments accordingly
Pick the time of day you feel best, whether early morning, midday, or late afternoon, and request appointments then so that you are in a good frame of mind.

Plan ahead
Get plenty of rest the night before so that you feel calm and relaxed before your visit.

Talk to your dentist
Make a list of your concerns and go over it with your dentist. Having your dentist validate your worries and answer question can help you feel better about treatment.

Find distractions
Many dentists’ offices offer headphones, DVDs, eye covers, and other comforts to make your experience more pleasant. If your dentist doesn’t provide anything, plan to bring your iPod or MP3 player and listen to music during the appointment.

Consider Sedation Options
Several options are available with sedation dentistry, such as nitrous oxide, (laughing gas) oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, the deepest level of sedation.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, an estimated 10 million women and one million men in the U.S. struggle with eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Characterized by preoccupations with food and weight, eating orders are caused by physical, emotional, or social issues. Often, dentists see signs of the eating disorder before others become aware of the problem.

For parents who may not know if their kids are in trouble, dentists can point them in the right direction to find help. Those suffering from bulimia binge eat, compulsively ingesting large amounts of food, and then purge their bodies through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise. Anorexics stick to limited calories diets and often become dangerously thin.

Certain indications can suggest to a dentist that a patient has an eating disorder. For example, frequent vomiting causes stomach acid to wear down tooth enamel, which may result in sensitivity and chipping. Recurrent bad breath is another common marker of a possible problem. Other signs of eating disorders include:

• Bleeding from the gums
• Cracking of the lips
• Dry mouth
• Sores inside the mouth
• Teeth that look almost translucent

When an eating disorder is recognized early enough, patients can avoid permanent damage to the teeth and body. Once an individual is working with a therapist, the dentist may suggest techniques to minimize damage from purging, such as rinsing with club soda or sugar-free mouthwash to neutralize acid on teeth. Early detection of these problems can help patients achieve a successful outcome and regain control of their lives.