Dental Anxiety Unveiled: Navigating Fear for Healthier Smiles

Welcome to "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life," the podcast that explores the vital connection between our mental and physical well-being. I'm your host Avik, and today, we have a very special guest who is not only a seasoned dental professional but also a passionate advocate for holistic health care.

Our guest today is Dr. Teresa Yang, DDS, a dentist with over three decades of experience practicing dentistry in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Dr. Yang is not your typical dentist; she has not only built two successful practices from the ground up in today's insurance-driven world but has also dedicated her career to teaching clinical dentistry and patient management at the prestigious UCLA School of Dentistry. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to her field have led her to write extensively on dental topics and serve as the editor of WestViews, a publication of the Western Los Angeles Dental Society.

Dr. Yang's philosophy is a refreshing one, emphasizing that "a person is more than a mouth and a set of teeth." She firmly believes in putting the patient's interests first and has authored a new book, "Nothing But the Tooth: An Insider's Guide to Dental Health," set to be released on August 23, 2023.

In today's episode, titled "The Big Story," we'll delve into the intriguing connection between oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Yang will shed light on how your mouth serves as an entry point to your body, making your dentist a crucial player in the management of your health. With warnings often manifesting in the mouth as early indicators of underlying diseases, dentists are frequently the first to diagnose issues and guide patients toward better health.

But here's the real question: Do you know enough about the various dental practices and procedures that can keep your mouth, and by extension, your overall health, in tip-top shape? Dr. Yang will help us navigate this topic.

In our segment, "The So-What," we'll explore common dental dilemmas and empower you with the knowledge to ask relevant questions about your treatment. Have you ever wondered if a "smile makeover" could enhance your success and happiness? Are you visiting the dentist as often as you should, and do you really know how often that is? Do you leave the dentist's office with a list of upcoming procedures, unsure of their necessity and cost? Dr. Yang will provide valuable insights to address these concerns and more.

So, stay tuned for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Teresa Yang as we embark on a journey to better understand the link between oral health and our overall well-being. Whether you're a dental enthusiast or just someone looking to make informed choices about your health, this episode is for you. Let's get started on the path to a "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life.”