I Hate and Fear the Dentist

If you’re like many people you are averse to the thought of going to the dentist. It’s enough to make you feel anxious just thinking about sitting in the chair of a dentist with your mouth open and being in a position to see your teeth. However, some people dislike dentists more than others. Children and adults alike can be scared of dentists. Read on to learn about the causes and possible treatments.

Symptoms

Many people experience anxiety and fear at the dentist. There are a myriad of causes of fear, from fear of humiliation and pain to worry about the amount of dental care that it will cost. Fear of visiting the dentist may be a result of a negative experience or genetic causes. No matter the reason, it is vital to get regular dental checkups in order to maintain good oral hygiene.

For some, their fear is so overwhelming that they delay appointments for years. They delay their dental treatment until their teeth began to decay. Research shows that 60% of the population suffers from dental anxiety, and 5-10 percent of the population suffers from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety manifests itself in fear of going to the dentist, anxiety during the exam and trouble sleeping at night.

Exposure therapy is a treatment option for patients who are scared of the dentist. The treatment plan can consist of beginning with a few dental visits without an exam, then gradually moving on to full-time dental visits. Although medication will not cure anxiety, they can help to alleviate symptoms during exposure treatment.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, it is worth seeking help from a psychologist who can assist you in overcoming. A psychological assessment could reveal the root cause of your anxiety. Some people are afraid of dentists due to a bad experience. Other people fear the dentist due to having never been to a dentist for cleaning, or they fear they’ll be in pain or experience bleeding.

Causes

Some patients find the dentist’s office intimidating. In addition to the fact that a dentist is near the face of the patient, it can also be a place in which there is a lot of noise that can be heard and/or smelled. There are people who have a general fear of dental offices, and a negative experience at a dental office can result in an uneasy feeling about the practice.

Although it’s hard to stop fear from occurring however, there are some things parents can do to prevent their child from getting scared of the dentist. First, do not let your child complain about the dentist. Instead, you should try to hide your experience from your child. This will prevent a child from developing a fear of the dentist.

The fear of visiting the dentist could be rooted in traumatizing experiences. For instance, a child might have been afraid of dentists or been assaulted by a dentist. Some people are afraid of pain, and others are more sensitive to needles or the sounds of dental instruments. One may be scared of the dentist due to their dislike doctors and people with authority.

The fear of visiting the dentist is a symptom of many other mental health problems. People with anxiety may be predisposed to fear needles and the effects of anesthesia. While dental anxiety is easily overcome, it’s important to find a dentist that can be tolerant of patients with fear.

Fear of the dentist can cause problems in daily life. For many patients, fear of the dentist can even lead to skipping dental treatments. For these patients fear of visiting the dentist is a daily struggle that they don’t want to face.

Treatment

The anxiety of visiting the dentist could be a real phobia. John Gamba had a terrible experience with the dentist when he was just nine years old. It grew into a lifetime fear of visiting the dentist. As an adult he was unable drive past a dental facility without shaking. Now, he has a specialization in treating patients scared of going to the dentist.

If you think you may have a dental phobia it is best to talk to your dentist and tell him about your fears. Your dentist should be capable of identifying the cause of your fear and guide you deal with it. Your fears could be related to injections, sore tooth, or hearing instruments.

You may be offered relaxation or sedation techniques to help you overcome your fear of going to the dentist. Your dentist might suggest a different treatment option if the methods aren’t effective. You can also seek psychological help to overcome your anxiety.

Many people are scared of going to visiting the dentist. They avoid going to the dentist because they feel scared, and worried that they will be judged or not be able to afford dental treatment. Some people are also afraid that the procedure is painful, and that they might feel embarrassed. Others may be concerned about having to answer judging questions about their flossing habits or holding their mouth for too long.

When you’re experiencing anxiety regarding dental treatment the most important thing is to stay in control. Before you begin the dentist should explain the procedure to you and get your approval. An understanding dentist can make you feel more at ease and relaxed. It is also essential to practice distraction and relaxation exercises.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques for fearing or having a negative reaction to dentists can be practiced by anyone who is scared of dental visits. Progressive muscle relaxation is an option. You can begin by relaxing your feet muscles and progress to the rest. This method will allow you to focus on breathing and take your mind off of the dental procedure. You may also want to consult a therapist if your dental fear is extremely. A therapist can provide techniques that will make it easier to handle dental procedures.

Dental fear is often tied to past experiences. Many people experience fear of dental visits due to negative experiences in their childhood. It could also be related to concerns about your oral health, such as bleeding gums. Some people don’t like the sensation and sound of dental instruments.

One way to decrease anxiety and fear is to meditate. Meditation helps you focus on your breath and relax your mind. Another technique involves focusing on your body parts and relaxing them. Breathing deeply can help you relax and reduce stress levels. These techniques can help you feel less stressed ahead of your next dental appointment.

Another technique is exposure therapy. By gradually exposing yourself to your fears, you begin to de-sensitize your body and overcome your anxiety. This is one of the most effective ways to combat anxiety.

Genetic component

A study has demonstrated that there is a genetic factor to fear of the dentist. Specifically the genetic causes were associated with the apprehension to discomfort in dental procedures. Although the exact causes of dental fear remain unclear the research suggests that fear of pain is a significant factor. The fear of pain is a common fear that affects a lot of people across the globe.

The study’s authors identified 85 people who were infected with the gene variant that causes dental fear. They were twice as likely to seek out dental care than other participants, according to the study’s authors. In their study, the researchers also controlled for sex anxieties and general trait anxiety. The study also demonstrated that those who have naturally red hair were more likely than other people to fear the dentist.

The researchers also studied the relationship between dental fear and alcohol dependence. The study found that dental fear levels that were high were associated with an unhappy mood. It was also associated to feelings of negativity and mood regarding social situations. Men who smoked cigarettes and snuff were significantly more likely than men who didn’t smoke or drink to be afflicted with high dental fear.

Genetic factors can also play a role in the fear of having a tooth, according to McNeil. She is the supervisor of the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, which is funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The researchers are currently investigating the genetic variant that could contribute to dental anxiety and an increased sensitivity to pain. Dental anxiety can have a variety of consequences, including bad breath, cavities and periodontal disease. Additionally, a decayed or missing tooth may affect a person’s self-esteem and impact employability. Additionally, periodontal problems can result in other medical conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.