DEFINE YOUR DENTAL OBJECTIVES
April 25, 2022
Let’s use this hypothetical situation: You have not been to a dentist in a while (pick a time frame), you are well aware you need some dental work, you were given the recommendation of a dentist by a friend…..and, you decide to visit that dentist and four other dentists to compare and make a decision who is the best fit for you. (I realize that most people don’t want to and/or don’t have the time to visit five dentists….but play along).
You already have an idea of what you are looking for. It might be the dentist who says you need the least. It might be the dentist who is the cheapest. It might be the dentist who is closest to where you live. It might be the dentist who gives you the most options, or maybe the least. It might be the dentist who listens to you the best. Be prepared, because you are likely to hear a few different styles/opinions visiting five dentists.
Some practices may feel “clinical and efficient”, while others feel somewhat more home spun and laid back. The dentist’s personality and experience are reflected in his or her treatment preferences as well. The fact that different dentists will suggest different plans to treat your condition does not necessarily mean that one plan is better than another. Have an open mind and play an active role in the treatment planning process.
It is important to remember that there are numerous ways to treat the same situation, and it is always important for the dentist to tailor the treatment plan for each patient’s specific circumstances. A major part of those circumstances may be financial, and since different treatment plans can vary a great deal in cost, it is important for the dentist to discuss costs and options for payment.
Think of treatment plans like various models of cars offered by different dealers. All of the models are new, have warranties and will work well out of the lot. The higher end models, however, have some advantages not found in the less expensive models. Some options add years to the life of the car. Some add to the appearance and enjoyment of driving it. Having said that, dentistry is not a commodity. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing your provider or the treatment you choose for yourself.
What makes sense for you? What are your objectives? Saving a badly damaged tooth with a root canal and a crown may preserve it for a long time, but what are the circumstances of how the tooth got to that point? If you haven’t been to a dentist in many years and have many other dental needs, does it make sense?
We have so many great dental providers in our area. Think about what you are looking for in a dental care team Read that list in the second paragraph again.
The focus should be on long-term objectives and prevention. If you are a regular dentist-goer and have a dentist you like, you’re all set. If you haven’t been in a while, consider making the decision to change how you look at your dental health. Start with finding a place that fits your particular needs, and make the commitment to make routine preventive dental care part of your life.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
A SILENT DISEASE
April 19, 2022
A while back, The Boston Globe ran an article entitled “Advice for all ages: Don’t skip the dentist.” It started with, “A team of researchers from London and the University of Connecticut announced that aggressive treatment of gum disease can improve the function of blood vessel walls in the body, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks.”
The concept is nothing new. We have known for years of the mouth-body connection with health. However, the key to the statement above is “aggressive treatment of gum disease”.
What does aggressive treatment of gum disease mean? Basically, it means that instead of watching and waiting for resolution of gum problems on their own, whatever treatment is needed to achieve gum health should be performed.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a silent disease. This means that it does not hurt. Over 75% of the population has some form of periodontal disease. Whether you have early stages of the disease or advanced periodontal involvement, you have periodontal disease.
Any form of this disease is potentially affecting your overall systemic health. The goal in any case is to become periodontally healthy, whether it involves simply seeing a dentist more frequently or surgery.
It is easy for patients, and even dentists, to watch and wait as opposed to taking action. “Aggressive treatment of gum disease” means that if the disease is identified, it needs to be addressed. Let’s get it right out in the open – Once you have periodontal disease, and even after it is treated, it will always return unless you follow a strict regimen of home care and professional care…….for your entire life.
Even the smallest amount of inflammation in your mouth is gum disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory process. As the article states, “Chronic inflammation anywhere, makes the body release nasty chemicals called cytokines that have been linked to diabetes and heart disease.” It goes on to say, “Cytokines can also trigger inflammation in artery walls, raise blood pressure, worsen cholesterol levels, and increase blood clotting, which can lead to potentially fatal heart attacks.” This also includes strokes. “Pregnancy complications, too, have been linked to gum disease, perhaps because chronic inflammation leads to high levels of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E-2, which can induce labor.”
No one wants to hear that they need treatment for something. It is even harder to get someone to “treat something” that does not hurt and is seemingly not affecting their daily life.
The fact of the matter is, periodontal disease is a disease. Diseases need to be treated or they will affect and possibly even shorten your life. Periodontal disease is no exception. And remember, “aggressive treatment” does not mean watch and wait to see if it goes away. It won’t go away on its own – I promise.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
EAT YOUR FRUITS & VEGTABLES
April 11, 2022
I’m sure that at one point in your life you heard a parent or grandparent say, “eat your fruits and vegetables.” It’s one of those things that always made sense to me – how could you go wrong eating things that nature has provided for us growing in the ground? As with most things, as time goes on, we learn more about why things are good or bad for us.
Over the past 30 years or so, research has been conducted to better understand why fruits and vegetables are so important to good health. Here are some highlights of that research:
#1 – Better able to maintain the normal, healthy elasticity of arteries, even after a high-fat meal; maintain normal levels of homocysteine, a waste product associated with heart health; and demonstrated positive effects on several other measures of vascular health.
#2 – Supports key measures of immune system function.
#3 – Helps improve skin hydration, skin thickness, and circulation in skin capillaries.
#4 – Helped improve gum health and diminish bleeding in a periodontal study.
#5 – Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables fight oxidative stress and help you maintain optimal health.
#6 – DNA may become damaged and fragile when exposed to oxidative stress; antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can help maintain healthy DNA.
I think it is safe to say that fruits and vegetables are good for us. They are certainly better for our bodies than all the processed foods available. The big problem most people have, including me, is that it is difficult to consume the amount of fruits and vegetable that we should daily.
In the 1980’s-90’s juicing became a craze in an effort to get more fruits and vegetables into our diet. But juicing, while very healthful, can be expensive, time-consuming, and messy. It is a tough thing to stick with. Enter a product called Juice Plus+®.
I am a fairly big skeptic when it comes to “products” that are supposed to make me healthier. The difference with Juice Plus+ is that the only ingredients in the product are concentrated fruits and vegetables. In fact, the research I mentioned above was all done using Juice Plus+.
One of the bigger selling points for me has been the research on chronic inflammation. Re-read the research in bullet point #4. We know that a significant percentage of the population has some form of gum disease. Gum disease is chronic inflammation. Those with gum disease typically have higher systemic markers of inflammation.
Chronic systemic inflammation is invisible, and can contribute to an increased risk for developing chronic health conditions. Investigators at the University of South Carolina found Juice Plus+ significantly decreased levels of three key biomarkers of inflammation.
I have been taking Juice Plus+ for over ten years and it is one of those rare products that I promote because of the research behind it. To find out more about Juice Plus+ you can “Google” it or drop me an email.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
ASK THE DENTIST
April 4, 2022
There are very few dental practices that still use analog film and chemicals to produce dental x-rays. With digital technology around for decades, and improving along the way, there really is no excuse not to be digital.
However, patients still often express concern with overexposure from radiation from dental x-rays. While I could bore you with statistics, to put it into perspective, it would take almost 400 dental x-rays in one year to equal the amount of radiation a person picks up from background sources each year.
Here are a few questions answered about dental x-rays:
I had a dental x ray while I was pregnant. I am worried that my unborn child might have been exposed to the radiation. Can you please tell me if there are any risks to my baby from this?
There is no information suggesting any risk to an unborn child from dental x-rays received by the mother. We were taught in dental school to avoid dental x-rays on pregnant patients. However, with newer technology the radiation dose to the fetus is insignificant. Prudent practice would dictate limiting x-rays on pregnant women, but there is absolutely no harm in taking x-rays if needed to diagnose a problem.
Is there residual radiation in a room after a dental radiograph has been taken?
X-rays cease to exist when the machine is switched off, much like the light from a light bulb when it is turned off. No residual radiation remains.
How much has dental x-radiation been studied and how concerned should I be about having dental x-rays done? Is there a limit on how many I can have?
We now have very complete information on patient radiation doses from dental x-rays. They are among the lowest radiation dose exams of any diagnostic radiologic procedure in the healing arts. Current practices deliver patient doses from a full-mouth series of intraoral films (usually 14-18 films) that are less than what a person receives in a month from natural environmental sources (commonly called background exposure).
Doses from bitewing or panoramic films are even less. New technology is reducing the doses still further. There is no limit on how many dental x-rays you can have. The decision to have a dental x-ray is based on the benefit of knowing whether or not there is a cavity, crack, or some other abnormality. The decision to have them is based on what you and your dentist agree on being best for your specific situation.
I recently had some dental x rays and the operator forgot to place the lead apron on me. Is this a problem?
Use of the lead apron to protect the patient undergoing dental radiographic examination was recommended some 50 years ago, when equipment was crude. This was because x-ray beams were not restricted to the area of clinical interest, beams were not filtered, and x-ray film was slower, causing radiation exposures 10 to 100 times higher than received today. With the current technology reducing radiation exposure significantly and the beam limited only to the area of interest, there is little or no measurable difference in whole-body dose whether a lead apron is used or not. The lead apron is no longer regarded as essential although some consider it a prudent practice, especially for pregnant and potentially pregnant patients.
If you have any other questions on dental x-rays, please e-mail them to me.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
ATTENTION ATHLETES
March 28, 2022
I was at a continuing education seminar last week and one of the topics being discussed was mouthguards. Although it seems basic, and you would think that everyone who should be wearing one does, this is far from the case. I still see far too many sports related dental injuries in every season which could have been prevented.
Any sport that presents the chance of contact or collision with another person, object, or surface can potentially cause injury to teeth, jaws, and oral soft tissue. These sports include, but are not limited to, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, field hockey, pond hockey, boxing, lacrosse, biking, inline skating, and skateboarding.
Teeth get in the way. Other than your nose, front teeth are “out there” and your lips only provide minimal protection. For example, a student I saw this past spring from a local private school was playing squash. Squash is a non-contact sport but the game is played in close proximity to another player with a swinging racquet. The student I treated had been hit in the mouth with the other player’s racquet. He required a root canal on one front tooth and a crown. The other front tooth needed to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant. All of this could have been prevented with a mouthguard.
A custom mouthguard made by your dentist covers the upper teeth with a soft, flexible material that can prevent many injuries. It decreases the chance of the lower jaw jamming into the upper jaw or being pushed back into the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. Mouthguards may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions as well.
Custom mouthguards, made by a dentist, fit 100 times better than anything you can buy in a store. This not only improves performance (making it easier to breathe), but also makes it more likely the athlete will keep the mouthguard in.
Custom-made mouthguards may be a little more expensive than over-the-counter versions, but they are far superior, and that is enough reason to consider them. Inform your dentist if you or your child participates in sports or recreational activities. Because mouth injuries can be painful, costly, and life-changing, it is recommended that all athletes take preventative measures at all times.
At my seminar this past week the presenter noted that injury to the teeth from sport injuries creates life-long issues that can run in the 10’s of thousands of dollars to maintain over a lifetime. The $100 or so that it costs to have a well-fitting custom guard made, that will be worn more often because it fits well, is worth every penny. It kills me to see children and adults come in with injuries to their once beautiful front teeth. The best dentistry is no dentistry because even the best dentistry needs to be maintained and/or replaced, sometimes multiple times over a lifetime.
Even if it isn’t “cool” to wear a mouthguard in the sport you are playing, strongly consider it anyway. You only get one set of your own teeth. Custom guards can be made with fancy colors and designs. You never know, you may start a trend….and who cares what other people think; these are your teeth!
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at 
SNORING
March 21, 2022
It is not uncommon for me to get a strange look when I ask a patient about snoring in the dental office. After an explanation about some of the reasons I include this on my medical history form, the patient will often say, “Well, I don’t snore but my spouse (usually husband) does. In fact, we sleep in separate bedrooms.”
A better way to ask someone about snoring is to ask, “Have you been told you snore?” Snoring can be a huge nuisance to the bed partner and is actually very detrimental to both people. For those without a bed partner, snoring can be assessed with apps such as Snore Lab, which measures snoring levels throughout the night.
Snoring is a sign of a restricted airway, which means that there is a possible depletion of air getting into the lungs and thus the brain. You spend approximately one third of your life sleeping, which means if you live to 90 years old, you may have spent 30 years sleeping. Oxygen depletion during sleep has both short-term and long-term consequences. I have read multiple studies which suggest a reduction of oxygen to the body can take 6-10 years off of your life. Sleep is one of the most mysterious states of being – we don’t know a lot about what is going on during sleep without it being recorded. Wouldn’t you want to know if your body wasn’t being oxygenated properly?
A restricted airway can be caused by numerous different factors. Many times, it is developmental and starts early in life. As we age, this risk for developing a restricted airway increases with things like gaining weight, muscle tone laxity, and even sleep position. Snoring is a fluttering of soft tissue in the back of throat due to there not being enough space for air to pass through. Not only does snoring have the potential to affect your brain and the way you feel on a day-to-day basis, it also disturbs the sleep of the person sleeping next to you….and in some cases, people in other rooms.
Snoring does not mean you have sleep apnea (a serious disorder measured by a sleep test,) but is a significant risk factor. If you do have sleep apnea, you need to know this so that it can be treated and you can live a better quality of life. If you don’t have sleep apnea and just snore, this can also be treated, and you may be able to make it back into your own bedroom.
Aside from snoring, if you have any of the following: familial history of sleep apnea, history of daytime drowsiness, history of clenching/grinding, history of TMJ disorder, history of mood disorders/depression, witnessed apnea events (gasping at night), large tongue with ridges on the sides, tooth wear, high blood pressure, gastric reflux, large neck (Males >17 / Females>16) – you should discuss this with your physician and/or your dentist.
There are different ways to treat snoring and/or sleep apnea including positional therapy (sometimes a wedge pillow strapped to your back so you can’t roll onto your back), a CPAP device (positive air pressure through the nose to keep the airway open), or a dental device (to keep the jaw and tongue from falling back).
Just like exercising and good eating habits are good for the body, quality sleep vital to good health. Just because you get 7-8 hours of sleep doesn’t mean it is good sleep. Don’t hesitate to talk with your doctors about your sleep issues…..and encourage the loud person sleeping next to you to do the same.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
ASK THE DENTIST
March 7, 2022
I understand that periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but is there anything I can do about it?
Gum disease—periodontal disease—often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time. This is one reason why it is common among older adults. The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues. Although periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition. These include food left between the teeth, tobacco use, badly aligned teeth, ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures, poor diets and some systemic diseases such as diabetes.
Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled but is often a life-ling commitment. In its early stages, it can be reversed. Treatment of advanced cases may require surgery. If you notice any of these: bleeding gums when you brush; red, tender or swollen gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are pressed; loose teeth or teeth that are moving apart; any change in your bite; any change in the fit of your partial dentures; constant bad breath or bad taste…….this may mean you have severe gum disease and are losing your teeth!
Prevention is key!
My dentures don’t feel as comfortable as they once did. Before I see the dentist, should I try some different products myself to try to improve them?
Your dentures were made to fit precisely. If they are cared for properly, they do not change shape. They can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums. In addition, the teeth wear over time and become less effective during chewing. Most dentures should be replaced every 5-8 years.
When your dentures do not fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made. Professional relining of the denture may extend its lifespan.
Do not try to change the fit of your dentures yourself. This can damage them and make them unrepairable.
If I have full dentures, do I really need to see the dentist as often as before?
Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should see your dentist once a year for an oral examination. The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer. For a variety of reasons, many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About 95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40. However, many of these cancers are treatable if detected early. Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can first manifest themselves in the mouth.
I am currently taking medication that my physician prescribed for me. Can this affect my dental treatment?
When your dentist asks for your medical history, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform your dentist if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell the dentist the names, doses and frequency of any medications you are taking, whether prescription or over-the-counter products, and the name of your physician. This information will help the dentist to select the most safe and effective method of treatment for you.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
ASK THE DENTIST
February 28, 2022
Liz H: I was recently told by a dentist that I need a root canal, a post, periodontal crown lengthening surgery and a crown. The total cost of treatment is $3500! Do I have any alternatives?
That is a difficult question to answer without seeing the specific case, but here are some thoughts. There are quite a few things to consider. The first is the general condition of the teeth. If you have numerous other dental problems that need to be addressed, you must prioritize these and decide if the cost of doing them all is something you can afford, or if treatment needs to be spread out over time. The last thing you want to do is spend $3500 on one tooth, and then be out of funds to address the other problems.
Let’s assume that this is the only tooth that needs to be addressed. I would look at your past history of dental problems. If you have had limited problems with a low rate of dental decay in general, this treatment may be the best option. If you have had a problem with dental decay, the best alternative might be to extract the tooth and do a dental implant. The cost of the treatment would be about the same, and there would be no chance of recurrent problems with decay.
Extracting the tooth and not replacing it can lead to teeth shifting, bite problems and a decrease in function. If the cost of treatment is beyond your means, ask the dentist if there are options to stretch the payment out over a period of time.
Tom Q: My son has been in braces for over a year and has multiple teeth with decay. What should we do?
My first question would be – Why does he have so much decay? Although there are many factors, diet and home care are most likely the culprits for the problem. If the decay can be easily fixed, the diet can be controlled (i.e. decrease sugar intake), and his home care can improve (including a prescription fluoride toothpaste), that would be the best way to go, and the braces treatment can move on. If the decay is extensive and his compliance is poor, the best thing to do may be to remove the braces and wait until improved conditions are met before continuing with the braces.
Linda T: My dentist keeps telling me that I need a bunch of crowns. I don’t have any pain and the crowns seem excessive and costly. Why can’t I just wait until something happens and fix the problem when it arises?
You can wait. However, there is probably a good reason the treatment is being suggested. Often, being proactive in replacement of aging large fillings can prevent bigger problems to come. The purpose of a crown in this situation is to protect the tooth. Waiting for “something to happen” can often mean more treatment down the road such as root canals or gum surgery. If you have multiple teeth that need this treatment, ask for a treatment plan to sequence the treatment over time. This is better than waiting.
Each person’s situation is different. Many of us complain about not having enough time to do things. Then, when we examine how we spend our time, we realize that re-prioritizing our time (getting rid of time suckers) frees up time to do things that are most important to us. The same can be said about where we spend our money.
One thing is for sure; ignoring is never a good option.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
ASK THE DENTIST
February 22, 2022
Isn’t tooth loss inevitable in the later years?
Today, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer because of scientific developments and the preventive emphasis in dentistry. This improvement was seen in the results of a survey released by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. They showed that among persons in their 50’s and 60’s, the rate of losing all teeth has dropped 60 percent since 1960.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are important throughout your life, whatever your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly, you will prevent dental problems and save time and money as well.
There are two things that cannot be disputed when it comes to oral health:
- Quality of life is better with a healthy mouth full of teeth
- Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. If you care about being healthy, you should take the steps necessary to have optimum dental health
At my age, why should I bother with oral hygiene and going to the dentist?
Thorough daily brushing and flossing of your natural teeth are essential to keep them in good condition—especially as you age. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase your risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease.
A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for exams and professional teeth cleaning. Professional monitoring of your oral health status is essential.
Should adults be concerned about cavities?
Tooth decay is not just a child’s problem. Adults of all ages can have cavities. The causes for tooth decay are the same for everyone, regardless of age. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque feed on the carbohydrates (sugar and starch) in our diet to produce acids that can cause cavities.
Decay rates can change throughout our lifetime for various reasons. Adults are more likely to have decay around older fillings or other dental work. Decay of the tooth root is also common among older adults. Root caries (decay) occur when the gums recede, exposing the softer root surface, which decays more easily than tooth enamel.
Tooth decay is also promoted by dry mouth. This condition, called xerostomia, occurs when the supply of saliva is greatly reduced. It can be caused by many types of medications (such as anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants) or radiation therapy to the head or neck. Saliva is needed to lubricate the mouth, wash foods away and neutralize the acids produced by plaque.
Allowed to continue, dry mouth can lead to rampant tooth decay. If you think you have this problem, be sure to discuss it with your dentist or physician. They may recommend a saliva substitute and/or fluoride products to help prevent decay.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
ARE YOU TOO COMFORTABLE?
February 14, 2022
This week the topic has nothing to do with dentistry. It is a topic that some will be able to relate to and others may not. It is a topic that some may appreciate and others may criticize. It may be something you have thought about before or maybe have never thought about. It is about thinking outside the box and being comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Regardless of your line of work, there comes a point when we all get comfortable with where we are and how we do things. Initially, that is a good feeling, but eventually it is a feeling that challenges us in our own growth. It is impossible to go through life doing things the same way and feel content forever.
In my 25th year in this profession, I do very few things the same as the way I was originally taught. I am constantly learning, but often struggle with how to apply things I learn, or whether to apply them at all. However, being uncomfortable with being comfortable challenges me to grow.
Many of us, and especially people in a service-related industry, which I can relate to the most, can exhaust ourselves trying to predict and control what other people think about us as individuals and about the work we do. This feeling is a trap and very self-limiting.
Do people understand me? Do they like me? Do they know how much I care about what I do? Do they care? These questions can paralyze us into inaction. These feelings can cause us to never even come close to reaching our full potential. We “play it safe” too often, and need to consider going outside our comfort zone to realize growth, both personally and with our work.
Has this thought ever crossed your mind: “What in the world is my purpose while I’m here on this planet?” We have to have purpose, otherwise we are lost, and we have to have faith or we remain lost.
We all go through the various stages of life and experience joy and happiness, sorrow and pain, confusion and temptation. Some struggle with these things more than others, which can also impede our growth as individuals. Each of us looks for the things in life that brings us more joy and happiness rather than other things listed above. However, focusing on “what’s in it for me?” can be just as destructive.
Constant growth in mind, body and spirit are essential to mature as individuals. We need to be mature enough to recognize that each of us has our own set of resources, and be able to determine how these resources can help others versus being a roadblock.
We all have our faults, admitted or not. Most of the time we are unable or unwilling to express our faults to anyone because of pride. We want everyone around us to think that we have no “issues”. It takes awareness to allow for self-reflection and at least admitting to ourselves where we need to improve in our personal and professional lives.
This is difficult to do alone. Your best bet is to work together with someone close to you who also has similar intentions so that you can hold each other accountable. Perhaps one of those areas you wish to improve is your own health.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. He has a special interest in treating snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ problems. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have, please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com
