Don't Let Dental Fears Stop You From Getting Professional Care For Your Teeth
Did you know that approximately 61% of this country's population struggles with dental fear and anxiety? While that number seems high, it is essential to know that most people with dental worries still visit the dentist regularly. WebMD reports that between 9% to 20% of people avoid visiting the dentist because of their fears. If you have dental phobia, do you skip visits because of the way you feel? If so, here is some information to help you understand more about the causes of dental fear, the reasons to face your concerns, and what dentists can do to help you get through your anxiety.
The Leading Causes of Dental Phobias and Anxiety
Dental anxiety is something people experience for many reasons. One common reason is pain. Dental work can result in pain at times, and it can also feel uncomfortable. When a dentist is working in your mouth, it may make you feel claustrophobic, for example. It may hurt when the hygienist scrapes plaque off your teeth. Getting shots of a numbing agent can also cause pain. Dentistry work can hurt, and that is one reason people experience phobias.
People also experience phobia from the sounds they hear and the things they smell. Others suffer from these feelings due to the costs they pay for the services. Some people have fears due to a bad experience at a dental clinic in the past. You may have fears for any of these reasons or a different reason than the ones listed here.
Reasons You Should Face Your Fears by Going to the Dentist
While dental fears are prevalent with people of all ages, you should consider facing the fears you have by visiting a dentist. If you do not visit a dentist, your teeth will be at risk for problems. You will have more plaque on your teeth if you do not have a dentist remove it. Having more plaque on your teeth increases your risks of developing decay on your teeth. It also increases your risk of developing gum disease.
If you face your fears, you can have a healthier mouth. If you have a healthier mouth, you may never have to go through painful dental procedures. Preventative dental care is much easier to go through than restorative dental care.
Ways a Dentist Can Help You Reduce Your Anxieties and Fears
Dentists are very understanding when it comes to fear and phobias. If you explain how you feel about dentistry work, your dentist may take extra steps to help you feel at ease about the work they must do in your mouth.
One procedure that many dentists provide is nitrous oxide. Using nitrous oxide offers a safe way for you to relax while you are at the dentist's office. Nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe in while you are there, and it instantly provides a soothing sensation for you. Nitrous oxide is a form of sedation, but dentists offer other types of sedation, too.
Another form of sedation that your dentist may suggest is a sedative. He or she can prescribe you one pill to take an hour or two before your visit. This pill will not cause you to sleep, but it will help you relax and feel a little better. Some dentists even offer IV sedation to patients with extreme fears, and you can talk to your dentist about this if you are interested.
Are you ready to start taking care of your teeth by visiting a dentist? If so, contact a dental clinic of your choice to speak to someone about your fears and how they can help you conquer them.
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