Going to the dentist isn’t nearly as fun going to Disney World; however, most adults understand going to the dentist twice a year is necessary to main good oral and overall health. Unfortunately, for nearly 10% of adults going to the dentist is so fear inducing they refuse to go for any reason. Almost 20% of people only go to the dentist for urgent situations. While going in those cases is a good first step, waiting until a problem becomes an emergency can result in higher cost and worse outcomes. The root of the fear varies from person to person. Some have had painful or scary experiences at the dentist – particularly when they were a child – that has caused an avoidance since that time. Others just dread the experience due to the fear of pain or outcomes that they have never experienced by are afraid of. Maintaining good oral health can only be done in partnership with a dentist. For those that have a deep rooted fear, keep reading to help overcome that fear and visit the dentist and start the journey of good oral health.
What Causes the Fear?
While many patients fear the pain associated with a trip to the dentists, many experts believe the fear is actually triggered by the loss of control felt in the dental chair. When the dentist is hovering over you and you lose your ability to speak, many people let their anxieties take over. This could be triggered by previous experiences at the dentist that was painful or be brought on by an underlying anxiety disorder. Research has also shown that humans are programmed to protect their airways – this includes the mouth and nose. This is an evolutionary response and having a dentist in close proximity to those areas can bring out that primal fear.
How to Address the Fear
The first thing to do is acknowledge the fear. Identify that the reason you haven’t been going to the dentist isn’t due to over-scheduling or having young kids. Instead you have been avoiding the dentist due to a fear of the experience. Once you have acknowledged the fear, try to remember why you have it in the first place. Did you have a bad experience as a child? Are you generally afraid of pain? Do you have an underlying anxiety disorder? Next, if you think you can overcome these issues on you own through self-help then move on to calming techniques you can do at home and at the dentist. However, if thinking about going to the dentist causes a deep fear and uncontrollable anxiety, then it may be prudent to visit a therapist who could help you work though the fear. Finally, commit to yourself you will go. Begin to research providers in your area. Talk to trusted family and friends. Once you find someone who you are comfortable with, make the appointment and follow through. Put the appointment on your calendar and go. You can do it!
At the Dentist
If possible, try to schedule a time prior to your appointment to meet the dentist. This would allow you the opportunity to discuss your fears and let your dentist know your apprehensions. If there isn’t a time to meet, make sure to bring up your fears at the beginning of the appointment. Dentists are humans too. They have their own fears. However, they are not mind readers. Tell your dentist what you are afraid of and have an ongoing dialogue throughout the appointment to ensure it is going as anticipated. Ask you dentist if you can wear noise cancelling headphones or earbuds and listen to music. This will let you avoid the noises associated with dentist that can exacerbate the fear. Finally, work out a nonverbal signal that you can give your dentist if you become panicked. This will give you comfort and put you in control of the situation.
Visiting the dentist is an important part of staying healthy. Oral health effects all aspect of your health and avoiding the dentist can be detrimental to overall wellness. If you ever don’t feel comfortable at the dentist, speak up, address the situation and if you ever don’t feel comfortable you can alway find a new dentist who fits your needs best.
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