Dental fear and how to overcome it?

Dental fear and anxiety are one of the most common features seen among adults when visiting a dentist! Are you one among them having dental fear about seeing a dentist? How does your emotions alter when you think about scheduling a dental appointment? How do you feel when you walk in a dentist ‘s room or smell an insulin? As per the studies, it is estimated that 75% of adults experience some amount of dental fear while visiting a dentist. As a result, such individuals completely avoid dental visits, which is very injurious to health. So it is important to understand what dental fear is and know how to overcome it.

Common dental fears 

However, there are many terms that classify dental fear. It can be known as dental anxiety, dental phobia, dentophobia or odontophobia, which means an intense fear of visiting the dentist for dental care. 

Pain is the common dental fear

Most of the people are afraid of going to the dentist because of the fear of pain. Especially those who have a low pain threshold, the dental fear will be more strong to overcome. If you are nervous about pain, let your dentist know prior. If you have a bad experience with dental pain earlier, you may be afraid to repeat it. However, anesthetics and numbing gels are now available for treatments now.

Bad Past experience 

Mostly dental fear develops due to the bad experience in the past. Some of the experiences in the past dental sittings may leave you feel worse or painful. As a result, these compilations may develop fear of going to the dentist again. However, its helpful to tell your dentist about the past experience, so they can easily understand and know what hurts you. 

Loss of control

Some patients feel like they are losing control when they lie down on a dental chair. Also feel it is immensing when a dentist waver above their heads and probe inside their mouths. If you feel so, raise a hand to take a break during the appointment. 

Embarrassment about teeth and oral health

If you may have gone many years without the cleaning or put the treatment off, then you may feel embarrassed by the state of your mouth. Also shame for what a dentist might say when they look inside your mouth and examine your teeth and gums. Discomfort may also create distance between dentist and a patient during treatment. But they have seen many people with worse dental problems than yours. However, it’s their job to deal with damaged teeth and prevent dental problems.

How to overcome the dental fear?

• Initially, identify what makes you feel panic. Once you sort out that you can start with a perfect solution. 
• Choose a patient friendly dentist with whom you can feel comfortable. Also consider a pediatric dentist for your children. Because, dental fear also associates with choosing the dentist who isn’t right for you.
• If pain is your top most dental fear, ask for a perception of fear. You might feel relaxed by knowing what to expect with a treatment. 
• Also ask your dentist to pre-warn you about the sensations that you might experience during treatment. 
• Asking for a sedation may help you.
• Meditation and breathing techniques are great ways to reduce anxiety. Learn them as fast as possible.

Leaving these dental fears and anxieties without treating may leave your quality of life in threat. However, dental treatments are a way more better now compared to few years back. Also regular dental visits may keep your oral health good.