SOUTH BEND, Ind., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- New products and technologies are helping address pain sensitivity issues for people who avoid the dentist due to fear of pain, U.S. researchers say.
People who avoid seeing their dentist might also be passing up a chance to take care of their overall health, since dentists can often detect problems such as heart disease, diabetes and oral cancer, Christopher Holden, president of Heraeus Kulzer Dental Division, says in a statement.
"Recent scientific studies and data show that dentists can spot early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body," Holden says. "Importantly, dentists' significant training and education enables them to recognize conditions that merit referring patients for care by dental specialists or physicians."
Holden's organization provides dentists, laboratories and patients with aesthetic dental services and products.
Rachel Wall, dental hygienist and founder of Inspired Hygiene, says new products and technologies can help people deal with dental phobias.
"Patients who forgo annual cleanings may have gum recession, and as a result, they may experience some sensitivity during a professional cleaning," Wall says.
