Dentist Midland TX http://www.allisonwattsdds.com Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:58:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 The Amazing Benefits of Aromatherapy In Our Office! http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/amazing-benefits-aromatherapy-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amazing-benefits-aromatherapy-office http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/amazing-benefits-aromatherapy-office/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:58:25 +0000 Allison Watts http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/?p=297

Aromatherapy …

Essential Oils For The Dental Office

by Allison Watts, DDS

 

As many people know or should know by now, essential oils have a positive psychological effect. This is not only validated in a published research study that was done with The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, School of Medicine which confirms that essential oils and aromatherapy “positively affect mood”, but it has also been addressed in another study which investigated the impact of orange and lavender on anxiety, mood, alertness and calmness in dental patients.
Two hundred patients between the ages of 18 and 77 years (half women, half men) were assigned to one of four independent groups. While waiting for dental procedures, patients were either stimulated with ambient odor of orange or ambient odor of lavender. These conditions were compared to a music condition and a control condition (no odor, no music). Anxiety, mood, alertness and calmness were assessed while patients waited for dental treatment.
Statistical analyses revealed that compared to the control group both ambient odors of orange and lavender reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatment. These findings support the previous opinion that odors are capable of altering emotional states and may indicate that the use of odors is helpful in reducing anxiety in dental patients.
A recent study by researchers at King’s College, London, analyzed the anxiety level of 340 dental patients before their visits. A “significant difference” was found between those who smelled lavender before their visit and those who did not, according to Dr. Koula Asimakopoulou. The procedure the patients were to undergo had no impact on the findings. Lavender comes in essential oil form and has been used to treat migraines and anxiety in the past. With this new research, dentists can easily help patients be more at ease during dental appointments.
Formerly known as “aspic,” lavender essential oil was used in France as early as the 15th Century.
Another interesting finding, and this is my own, is that when I place drops (I like “Christmas Spirit”) in my water and drink at least one big glass a day (I keep it on my bed stand at drink it before bed and in the night), my dry mouth symptoms go away. I noticed after about two weeks of drinking this that my mouth was producing saliva again. We have just started recommending it to patients, so we’ll see what their feedback is… I’m very excited about this!
I am very new to the science and art of aromatherapy, but my entire family enjoys it as well as my team and the patients we’ve shared it with. 
The rest of this article is directly from Young Living Oils website. Their oils are 100% pure and pharmaceutical grade. 
Essential Oils
Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs.
While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that simply smells good.
Historically, essential oils have played a prominent role in everyday life. With more than 200 references to aromatics, incense, and ointments throughout the Bible, essential oils are said to be used for anointing and healing the sick. Today, essential oils are used for aromatherapy, massage therapy, emotional health, personal care, nutritional supplements, household solutions, and much more.
Young Living Essential Oils, the leading provider of essential oils, offers more than 300 essential oil singles and blends. All Young Living essential oils meet the YLTG standard. This means that every essential oil Young Living distills or sources has the optimal naturally-occurring blend of constituents to maximize the desired effect. Only YLTG essential oils should be used for the primary methods of application, which include inhalation and application.

Success comes by loving people enough that you are focused on their success instead of your own.”
—Jeffrey Lewis,
Young Living Platinum Distributor

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is the inhalation of plant oils, called essential oils, for improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Essential oils are the pure essence of the plant—often referred to as nature's living energy—and can provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly. Essential oils can be used on their own for aromatherapy or with complementary natural ingredients, such as vegetable or carrier oils.
Aromatherapy for Improved Health and Wellness
Aromatherapy is one of many ways you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. When practicing aromatherapy it's vital that only pure, undiluted essential oils are used. Synthetic, perfume-grade products lack the necessary level of beneficial constituents and offer little or no positive effect.
Only by diffusing pure Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ (YLTG) essential oils can you create a proper mood, state of mind, or improve your physical well-being.
The Science of Aromatherapy
When a YLTG essential oil is diffused, it's inhaled and processed through the olfactory system, which then sends the therapeutic benefits of the aroma to the brain. Depending on the specific constituents in the oil, you may begin to feel the release of negative emotions, the soothing of undue muscle tension, or experience the cleansing effect of the oils as your body eliminates toxins.
There are two ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy: inhalation and topical application.
Inhalation
When inhaling oils for aromatherapy, here are some commonly used techniques:
     Inhale essential oils directly—simply smell them straight from the bottle.
     Diffuse essential oils using a device that disperses the oil into the air in a micro-fine vapor. Young Living offers a line of essential oil diffusers that effectively spreads the aromatic benefits of essential oils through the air without damaging their important constituents.
     Use essential oils with a humidifier. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on a tissue or small cloth and place in front of the escaping steam. Avoid putting the oil directly into your humidifier, as it will float on top of the water instead of dispersing with the water vapor.
     Pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Lower your face a few inches over the bowl and cover your head and the bowl with a towel, then breathe deeply and slowly.
Topical Application
Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin. Be sure to read the label before using oils topically, as some oils must be first diluted with a carrier oil—like Young Living's V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex—prior to use.
Key areas for topical application are:
•   Crown of head
•   Temples
•   Behind ears
•   Neck
•   Upper back
•   Abdomen
•   Over vital organs
•   Soles and tops of feet
•   Ankles
 
Steps for topical application are:
•   Place 2–3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand or directly on the desired area.
•   If placing oil in your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application. If applying directly to the desired area, massage the oil into your skin using a circular motion. Repeat as desired.
Note: Essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply a carrier oil or pure vegetable oil to the area to dilute. Please read label direction for each individual oil before using.
Young Living's Most Popular Products for Aromatherapy
  • Thieves®: University tested for its cleansing abilities.
  • Abundance™: Believed to attract positive energy.
  • Purification®: Excellent for cleansing the air of impurities.
  • Peppermint: Diffuse or apply topically for an energy boost.
  • Lemon: Revitalizing and uplifting, this essential oil is high in antioxidants.
  • Orange: Good for relaxation, this oil brings peace and happiness to the mind.
  • Grapefruit: Has a great citrus aroma that is refreshing and uplifting.
  • Citrus Fresh™: A relaxing, calming blend—great for adults and children.
  • Joy™: Diffuse this oil for a refreshing, uplifting effect.
  • Lavender: The most versatile of all essential oils, lavender oil is good for quieting the mind before bed.
  • Peace & Calming®: Helps calm tensions and uplift the spirit.
  • Essential Oil Diffuser: Disperses essential oils without heating so they retain their therapeutic benefits.
  • Ultrasonic Diffuser: Atomizes cold water and essential oils, breaking up molecules into a microscopic mist.
  • Travel Fan Diffuser: Introduces convenience and portability to essential oil diffusing.

Improve Health and Wellness with Essential Oil Products
Essential oils have transitioned to the mainstream with many store-bought products now including synthetic or diluted oils.
Offering a plant-based remedy for all your family's needs, Young Living's Thieves® and KidScents product lines incorporate the benefits of Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ (YLTG) essential oils into your household without the toxic ingredients of most store-bought solutions.
Your Family and Essential Oils
Essential oil-infused products are a healthy alternative to toxic commercial solutions, and are safe and effective for use around your children and pets. From therapeutic-grade essential oils to KidScents® children's products, no matter your family's needs, Young Living can help you reduce the harmful chemicals found in most homes.
Young Living's Most Popular Products for Home and Family
Thieves Oral Care
 
Thieves Household Products
 
KidScents
  • KidScents Shampoo: A safe, mild formula designed to provide the perfect pH balance for children's delicate skin.
  • KidScents Lotion: Moisturizing and softening, KidScents lotion protects children's sensitive skin.
  • KidScents Toothpaste: A safe, natural alternative to commercial brands of toothpaste, perfect for children of all ages.
  • KidScents MightyVites: Delivers the full-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients for children's developing bodies.

If you would like to have some more information about integrating the use of aromatherapy in your dental practice, please feel free to send me an email at insights [at] transformationalpractices.com!
Here's to you creating an amazing, relaxing experience for YOUR patients!

 

 
ps …. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below! And, if you can think of anyone else that could benefit from this information, please feel free to share it with them!
SOURCES:
]]> http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/amazing-benefits-aromatherapy-office/feed/ 0 Teeth Whitening Helps You Smile Big With Confidence http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/theeth-whitening-helps-smile-big-confidence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=theeth-whitening-helps-smile-big-confidence http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/theeth-whitening-helps-smile-big-confidence/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:02:14 +0000 Allison Watts http://www.allisonwattsdds.com/?p=281

 

Ask Dr. Watts Which Teeth Whitening Option Is Best For You!

Graduation and Wedding Season Is Almost Here!
Teeth Whitening Can Help You
Quickly Get Your Smile Camera Ready
by Amy Young, RDA and appointment coordinator at Dr. Allison Watts’ office
 
 
We are fast approaching graduation and wedding season. What better way to prepare for life-lasting photos than with a perfect bright white smile!
 
Whether it is days, weeks or even months away, there are options for each circumstance.  Today we all live such busy lifestyles… Which whitening option best suites you?
 
If you are considering teeth whitening, be sure to review the facts about teeth whitening with Dr. Watts (or your dentist) beforehand. Only your dentist can tell you if your teeth and gums will benefit from a whitening procedure.
 
If Dr. Watts has determined that you are a candidate to have your teeth whitened, you will need to decide which teeth whitening method to choose from.
 
Teeth Whitening Options
 
  • In-Office Bleaching– In-office teeth whitening offers excellent results.This procedure is performed in the dental office and can be done quickly, usually in a little over an hour. In-office bleaching costs a little bit more, but the time that you save by having immediate results makes this option appealing for many.
  • Teeth Whitening Trays and Gels-- Teeth whitening trays and gels are effective, but the desired results take longer to achieve than with in-office bleaching. Depending on the strength of peroxide in the gel, these clear trays are usually worn thirty minutes to a couple of hours a day (some are even worn overnight) and could take anywhere from 3 days to a couple of weeks before significant results are noticed. There are basically two types of teeth whitening trays and gels: Those purchased from our office and those purchased over-the-counter. They both whiten your teeth, but there are some differences.
  • Teeth whitening kits from our office produce faster and more effective results because they contain a stronger peroxide-bleaching agent than whitening kits purchased over the counter. Another benefit of trays and gels from our office is that the trays are custom made and fit your teeth exactly. Over-the-counter trays are generic sized and could allow the bleaching agent to come into contact with your gums, causing irritation. Also, the over-the-counter materials may contain preservatives that can harm your teeth.
  • Teeth Whitening Strips – Teeth whitening strips are popping up in every drug store across the nation. These whitening strips sold over-the-counter are fairly inexpensive, easy to use and most of them really work. Teeth whitening strips may take longer to produce the desired results depending on the strength of peroxide that they contain. They also may not whiten the teeth evenly because of the size of the strips.
  • Teeth Whitening Toothpastes – Teeth whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes may have additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more effective against stains than regular toothpastes, but whitening toothpastes are not designed to actually "bleach" your teeth. Most people do not see an improvement with the toothpaste alone.
  • Other Teeth Whitening Products – New teeth whitening products are always popping up including whitening chewing gum, dental floss and mouthwashes. While these products are relatively new, not much research has been done to prove or disprove the effectiveness of these whitening products. I have actually tried all three and I am sad to say that while they tasted good and made me feel clean, I didn’t see any whitening results.
If you are still unsure, ask Dr. Watts to recommend a teeth whitening treatment for you. Always be sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance on over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
 
Stay tuned to our blog, website, Facebook, and Twitter for whitening promotions coming soon!!!
 
 
 
 

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