Dental anxiety is a common problem for many people. If you’re one of them, there are some things that you should know to help you get through it. This article will give you the basics of dental fear and tips on how to address your fears before going into the dentist’s office.
Curiously, the same fears of dental visits are common in other countries and cultures. In fact, 9% to 20% of Americans skip visiting their dentist because they worry or dread it while the current rates for people who visit a dental office without fear are much higher at 59%.
Some research has shown that more than half of adults avoid going to see a dentist due to worries about how painful it will be or concerns over what might happen during treatment like an accident with anesthesia.
Does Dental Anxiety Affect All Ages?
Yes, dental anxiety doesn’t just affect adults. In fact, studies have shown that the rates of dental fear are even higher in children and adolescents than they are in adults.
The most common dental fears among kids age 12-14 according to a recent study include:
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needles (82%)
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drills or other equipment involved with dental work such as x-rays and cleanings (79%)
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being touched during treatment by someone wearing gloves (71%)
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visiting the dentist’s office for any reason whatsoever (69%)
These numbers demonstrate how important it is to find out what your child’s specific dental fears are before you schedule an appointment at their regular intervals maintenance checkups — these anxieties can impact both oral hygiene activities and overall health if left untreated.
What are the Symptoms of Dental Anxiety?
The dental setting is a common trigger for dental anxiety. It’s also associated with certain triggers such as needles, drills, or dental equipment that involve x-rays and cleanings.
Some of the typical symptoms are:
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being scared to visit the dentist
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avoiding dental care due to fear and/or discomfort
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not brushing teeth regularly at home or visiting their regular dental checkups more often than necessary when possible (every six months)
If you have been experiencing these feelings before going into the dentist’s office, it will be important to talk with your doctor about what treatment options they can offer you so that this doesn’t continue in your life.
Why Do We Experience Dental Fear?
When people feel afraid of something like seeing a dental professional, it is often because they are afraid of the pain or other painful dental treatments that might happen. In fact, some people who fear going to see a dentist may have dental anxiety if this is their only dental phobia and not related to any other fears like needles or blood.
What Effect Does Dental Anxiety Have on Oral Health?
If dental anxiety is chronic, it can have a negative effect on oral health. When this fear prevents people from getting dental care when they need it and avoiding dental treatment because of their fears, the teeth are subject to decay that could lead to tooth loss or other dental problems.
What Can You Do if You Have Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety prevents you from seeing the dentist on a regular basis, and by doing so, you put yourself in danger of developing significant dental problems that will require more difficult treatments and emergency care in the future. This condition is known as the “vicious cycle of dental anxiety,” in which people are so afraid of the final result that they wind up getting it simply to avoid it in the first place.
• It’s never a good idea to put off seeing the dentist for an extended period of time
• The longer you let dental problems go, the more complicated it will be to get the results you want.
Dental anxiety affects people of all ages and can be triggered by various events, such as a bad experience with the dentist or an illness. It’s important to know what dental fear symptoms you might have so that you can get help for them if necessary. If your dental anxiety is affecting your oral health, there are many measures we can take to alleviate it. For example, some patients find relief in taking anti-anxiety medications before going into the office. Others may prefer hypnosis therapy treatments or acupuncture sessions for pain management after their appointment. Whatever solution works best for you is worth trying out! We hope this article has helped shed light on how dental fear impacts everyone differently and encouraged you to stay healthy through proper daily habits.
Are You Looking for a Dentist Who Can Help With Your Dental Anxiety?
Do you worry about going to the dentist? If so, then Balfour Dental in Brentwood is a great place for you. They have over thirty years of experience helping patients with dental anxiety and their services include many different certifications that are top-of-the-line! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as general dentistry. If you are looking to renew your smile, contact Balfour Dental today!
