Everyone from 5 years old to 90 years old refuses to go to the dentist. Why are so many people, of all different ages, afraid to go? WebMD reported, that up to 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist out of dental anxiety and fear. Having an actual dental phobia is a much more serious condition than having some dental anxiety, but both keep patients from the proper dental care.
What causes dental anxiety? And, what you can do about it!
There is no exact science as to what causes dental anxiety. Every individual has their own personal experiences that contribute to their fear of the dentist. One of the common reasons is a fear of pain. The mouth is a very sensitive area. This anxiety could have stemmed from an unfortunate painful dentist visit in the past or a horror story from someone. Thanks to advances in technology and education, today’s dental visits are much less painful or even pain-free! No more horror stories only happy ones.
Another common fear is needles. Nobody really enjoys getting shots at the doctor, and the thought of having a needle in your mouth is too much for some people. Along with a fear of needles, it’s common to be afraid that the anesthetic will wear off before the dentist is done working. Have a little faith! Dentist are very educated and know how to give you a healthy pain-free smile.
One more common source of anxiety stems from the fear of losing your personal space. Here in Minnesota, we value “our personal bubble”. We have been taught since elementary school to value each other’s bubbles. To some people, it feels uncomfortable to have the dentist working so close. Unfortunately, the closeness can’t be fixed, but to ease the anxiety, you can close your eyes and go to a happy place where your bubble is still intact.
One of the biggest ways to put your dental anxiety to rest is to talk with your dentist. Once your dentist is aware of any fears you may have, he or she will be better apt to make your dental appointment much less stressful. Stop living with dental anxiety and start living with good dental health.