Dental phobias are caused by the anxiety or outright fear of going to the dentist.
Many people suffer from phobias. They can be related to almost anything, from clowns to spiders to the dark. It’s also possible to be afraid of going to the dentist. Even so, you shouldn’t let these fears get in the way of ensuring your dental health. So the question remains, what do you need to know about dental phobias?
What Are They?
Dental phobias are caused by the anxiety or outright fear of going to the dentist. This can be attributed to past traumas in the patient’s life or due to bad experiences that make them reluctant to seek treatment even when their tooth decay has become too severe for them to attempt to manage on their own. The phobias could be caused by associations with pain, the drill, any necessary injections, the side effects related to sedation dentistry, and invasion of personal space or self-consciousness about the appearance or condition of the teeth.
Common Symptoms
It can be hard to know whether you are simply unwilling to go to the dentist for external reasons, such as being unable to afford it, or the symptoms of a recognizable phobia. What does this mean for you? If you can’t sleep the night before your appointment, then that is one sign you have a dental phobia. Once you’re there, you could be nervous while waiting for your dentist to see even when you are sitting in the waiting room and trying to stay calm. Having a hard time breathing when the hygienist cleans your teeth? That’s yet another symptom. All in all, it’s understandable to have some level of fear. At the same time, though, understand that advancements in dental technology have made it easier for your dentist to assess your oral and dental health without it being unnecessarily painful.
Dealing with Phobias
Lastly, let’s have a look at some ways to manage or even overcome your dental phobias. Figure out which part of the experience is the one that scares you the most. Talk to your dentist about what your fears are, or bring a companion for moral support during your next visit. Blocking out the noise of the drill could also be a useful tactic to try out when you need to have a procedure completed.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!