Drilling Down on Dental Fears to Help You Overcome

You must know people around you who do not look forward to dental appointments as they plan to visit to other doctors or physicians, just because they associate dental visits with pain. Though the truth is that most of the dental procedures are not painful but just being examined can make people anxious or stressed. You may not take it seriously but the thought of a dental visit for the people having dental phobia can be terrifying.

Phobia is an intense but unreasonable fear. People with dental phobia often avoid dental care routine for years and eventually, they will develop gum infections, pain, chipped or unsightly teeth. People use the words anxiety and phobia to mean something but both are different terms.

Those having dental anxiety experience a sense of uneasiness, when it’s time for their appointments. People with dental phobia have more serious condition, as it is an intense fear and are more terrified or panic stricken. People with dental phobia have a higher risk of dental and gum disease and early tooth loss. But avoiding the dentist may have emotional cost as well.

For instance, discoloured or damaged teeth can make people self-conscious and insecure. They may smile less or keep their mouths partly closed when they speak. Some people can become so embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth that their personal and professional lives begin to suffer. People with dental phobia may also suffer overall poor health.

However, the truth is that dental phobia can be treated – otherwise, it will get worse with time.

Let’s find out what are the causes of dental anxiety and phobia.

Causes of Dental Anxiety & Phobia

Pain – It is not wrong to state that fear of pain is the biggest reason that make people avoid the dental visit. The fear of pain is more common in adults than children. This may be because their dental visits in early age left them in pain.

Helplessness – Many people develop phobias regarding situations, where they feel like not having any control. And when they sit on the dental chair, they have to sit still where they may feel that they are unable to see what is going to happen to them. Therefore, it is obvious for them to feel helpless and out of control.

Negative Experience in Past – People who had pain or discomfort during dental appointments in past are likely to be more anxious or conscious about dental visits later in their lives.

If you also feel the same, you must tell the dentist about your concerns and fears. He will definitely help you overcome these feelings by changing the mode of treatment.