I Hate and Fear the Dentist

If you’re like the majority who are, you’re scared of going to the dentist. It’s enough to make you anxious just the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair, your mouth open, and being in a position to see your teeth. However, some people dislike dentists more than others. Fear of the dentist can be a common issue for both children and adults. Read on to learn more about the possible causes and the possible treatments.

Signs and symptoms

The majority of us experience a level of fear and anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are a myriad of causes of anxiety, ranging from fear of embarrassment and pain to anxiety over the amount that dental treatment will cost. For some, fear of going to the dentist is linked to having a bad experience in the past, and it could even be genetic. Whatever the reason, it’s vital to have regular dental checkups to maintain good oral health.

Some people are so scared of going to the dentist that they postpone appointments for many years. They put off getting dental treatment enough that their teeth has begun to decay in their mouths. Studies have revealed that about 60 percent of the population is suffering with dental anxiety. Five to 10% of the population also has dental fear. Dental anxiety can manifest itself as avoidance of dentists anxiety during an exam and insomnia at the night.

Exposure therapy can be a treatment alternative for those who are afraid of the dentist. The treatment plan could include several visits with no exam and then gradually increasing the number of visits. While medication cannot eliminate anxiety, they can assist to ease symptoms of exposure therapy.

A psychologist can help you overcome dental anxiety if you suffer from it. Psychological evaluations can identify the root cause of your anxiety. Many people are afraid of going to the dentist because of an unpleasant experience. Others fear going to the dentist because they’ve not been to a dentist for cleaning, or they are afraid they’ll be in pain or experience bleeding.

Causes

The dental office can be intimidating for some people. In addition to the fact that a dentist is near the face of the patient, it could be a place where many sounds can be heard and/or smelled. Patients may also be scared of dentist offices. A negative experience in the office could cause them to experience a general fear.

Although it’s difficult to avoid fear however, there are some things parents can do to prevent their child from anxiety about visiting the dentist. First, don’t make your child complain about the dentist. Instead, try to conceal the experience from your child. This will prevent your child from forming an fear of visiting the dentist.

A person’s fear of the dentist could be due to traumatizing experiences that have happened to them. For instance, a child may be scared of the dentist or been victimized by dentists. Certain people are scared of pain, while others may be more sensitive to needles or the sounds of dental instruments. A person may be afraid of dentists because they dislike doctors as well as people in authority.

The fear of going to the dentist could be an indication of other mental health problems. Anxiety can lead to a fear of needles and anesthesia. Although dental anxiety can be conquered, it’s important to find a dentist who is sensitive to fears.

The fear of the dentist can cause issues in your everyday life. For many patients, a fear of the dentist can even lead to skipping dental treatments. For those patients fear of visiting the dentist is a constant battle that they don’t want to face.

Treatment

The fear of going to the dentist could be a real fear. John Gamba had a terrible encounter with a dentist when he was nine years old. It developed into a lifelong fear of visiting the dentist. As an adult, he was unable to drive by a dental office without trembling. He now specializes in treating patients who are scared.

You should talk to your dentist if you may be suffering from a dental fear. Your dentist should be capable of identifying the causes for your anxiety and will help you to deal with it. Your fear could be linked to the injections, sore tooth or hearing instruments.

You could be offered sedation or relaxation techniques to help you overcome your fear of going to the dentist. If these techniques are not efficient for you, your dentist could recommend another treatment option. You could also seek the help of psychologists to help overcome your fear.

Many people are scared of going to the dentist. People avoid visiting the dentist as they fear they will be considered a failure and might not be able to afford it. Some people are also concerned that the treatment is painful and they might feel embarrassed. Others might even be worried about having to deal with the stigma of being judged about their hygiene practices, or the possibility of having someone’s hands in their mouth for long periods of time.

When you’re experiencing anxiety regarding dental treatment, the most important thing is to remain in control. Your dentist should explain the procedure to you, and then ask for your consent prior to starting. An understanding dentist can ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed. It’s also important to practice relaxation and distraction exercises.

Relaxation techniques

Anyone who is scared of dentists can learn relaxation techniques. Progressive muscle relaxation is a good alternative. You can start with your feet muscles and gradually progress to the rest. This will let you focus on your breathing and not be distracted by the dental procedure. It is also possible to seek out a therapist when your dental fear is extreme. A therapist can help with techniques that make it easier to handle dental procedures.

Fear of the dentist is often linked to previous experiences. Many people experience fear of dental visits due to terrible experiences in their early years. In other cases it could be due to concerns about your dental health, such as bleeding gums. Some people don’t like the sounds and feel of dental instruments.

One method of reducing anxiety and fear is to sit down and meditate. Meditation helps you focus on your breath and relax your mind. Another approach is to concentrate on your body parts and letting them relax. Inhaling deeply can help you relax and lower stress levels. These techniques can help you relax and feel less stressed before your next dental appointment.

Exposure therapy is another option. When you gradually expose yourself to your fears, it helps to reduce your body and overcome your anxiety. This is one of the most effective ways to combat anxiety.

Genetic component

A study has revealed that there is a genetic element to the fear of visiting the dentist. Particularly, genetic factors were associated with the fear of discomfort during dental procedures. While the exact causes of dental fear remain a mystery however, the findings suggest that fear is a major factor. Fear of pain is a typical fear that affects a lot of people around the world.

The researchers of the study identified 85 people who were infected by the gene variant that is associated with dental fear. They found that these people were twice as likely to avoid getting dental care than other participants. The authors controlled for sex and general trait anxiety in their study. The study also revealed that those who have naturally red hair were more likely than other people to be scared of visiting the dentist.

The association between drinking alcohol and dental fear was also studied by researchers. They found that high dental fear was associated with an unfavorable mood. It also was associated with a negative mood and feelings regarding social situations. Men who smoked cigarettes or snuff were significantly more likely to have dental anxiety that was higher than men who did not smoke or drink.

Genetic factors may also play a role in the fear of visiting the dentist, says McNeil. She is the supervisor of the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia which is supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Researchers are currently looking at the possibility of a genetic variant that could contribute to dental anxiety and heightened pain sensitivity. Dental fear can have many consequences, including bad breath and periodontal problems. A decayed or missing tooth can affect confidence in one’s self and can affect the possibility of employment. Finally, periodontal disease can cause other medical issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.