Steps To Control Dental Anxiety

If you, like many other people, get extreme anxiety even at the thought of going

in to see your dentist, you are probably suffering from a problem known as dental anxiety. A significant proportion of the population reports being afraid of going to the dentist. Eighty percent of adults say they have some fear of going to the dentist, with about half saying that fear can keep them from going in to see their dentist.

Failure to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can have serious negative effects on both your oral and overall health. Tooth decay and gingivitis can occur if you do not visit your dentist. In addition, more serious health problems such as heart disease have been linked to poor oral health.

What Makes People Anxious About The Dentist?

People can become anxious at the thought of going to the dentist for a variety of different reasons:

*Fear of pain. Many people simply associate going to the dentist with pain. Many times, this is caused by a bad previous experience or hearing negative stories about dental visits from others.

*Fear of injections. Many people are afraid of needles specifically or of needles being placed in their mouth. Others are afraid that the anesthesia will fail to work and that they will feel pain during the procedure.

*Loss of control. It is common for people to experience this at the dentist's office. The experience of sitting in a chair with someone else sticking instruments in your mouth can cause fear.

*Self-conscious about teeth. Lots of people feel uncomfortable with the dentist closely examining their teeth and passing judgment on if they have been taking good enough care of their teeth

Steps To Relieve Anxiety

The good news for people who dread the dentist is that there are a few simple steps that can be taken to relieve some of the nervous feelings they are having. The main thing to remember is that communication with your dentist is essential. Dentists are trained to make their patients feel as comfortable as possible and have dealt with many people who are experiencing the same problem that you are. If you are honest about the emotions you are feeling, your dentist will be able to work to make you feel as comfortable as possible. For this reason, it is important to choose a dentist that will work with you and that you can trust.

It can help to schedule your dentist appointments for a time when you will not be rushed, such as on the weekend or in the evening. Also, if the sounds of the dentist's office bother you, it may be a good idea to bring in headphones and listen to music during your appointment. If all else fails, it can also be a good idea to use the simple relaxation technique of closing your eyes and imagining yourself somewhere else.

If you have been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, now may be the time to schedule an appointment. Contact your Detroit dentist today.

by: Gen Wright

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