I Hate and Fear the Dentist

If you’re like the majority of people, you hate the idea of going to the dentist. The thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair and lying with your mouth open is enough to make you anxious. Certain people are more afraid of dentists than others. Both adults and children can be afraid of the dentist. Continue reading to learn more about the possible causes and treatment options.

Symptoms

Many of us experience some level of fear and anxiety at the dentist. There are many causes of anxiety, from fear of humiliation and pain to anxiety about the amount that dental treatment will cost. For certain people, fear of the dentist is linked to an unpleasant experience in the past, and can even be genetic. No matter the reason, it is important to have regular dental examinations to maintain good oral hygiene.

Some people are so afraid of visiting the dentist that they delay appointments for many years. They put off getting dental treatment enough that their teeth became rotten in their mouths. Studies have revealed that about 60 percent of the population suffers with dental anxiety. Five to 10% of the population also suffers from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety manifests itself in fear of going to the dentist anxiety during the examination and sleeplessness at night.

Exposure therapy is a treatment option for people who fear the dentist. The treatment plan could consist of an initial series of visits that do not include an examination and gradually increasing the number of visits. Medicines will not alleviate the fear however they can help ease the symptoms of exposure treatment.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, it is worth visiting a psychologist in order to assist you in overcoming. A psychological examination could reveal the root cause of your anxiety. Some people are scared of going to the dentist because of an unpleasant experience in the past. Some people fear going to the dentist due to previous experiences or fears they’ll experience pain or bleeding.

Causes

Some people find the dentist’s office intimidating. In addition to the fact that a dentist can be found near the face of the patient, it could be a place where there is a lot of noise that can be heard and/or smelled. People are also afraid of dentist offices. A negative experience at the dentist’s office can cause them to develop an overall fear.

Although it’s hard to eliminate fear, there are some ways parents can take to prevent instilling a child’s fear of visiting the dentist. First, don’t let your child complain about the dentist. Instead, try to hide the experience from your child. This will prevent a child from getting scared of the dentist.

Fear of going to the dentist can be the result of traumatic experiences. For instance, a child might be afraid of dentists or been abused by a dentist. Some people are scared of pain, whereas others are more sensitive to the sound of needles or of dental instruments. Some people are afraid of the dentist due to their dislike doctors and people in authority.

The fear of the dentist can be a sign of a variety of mental health problems. People with anxiety may have a predisposition to be afraid of needles and the effects of anesthesia. While dental anxiety can be overcome, it is important to find a dentist who is tolerant of fear.

The fear of visiting the dentist can cause issues in your daily routine. For some patients, fear of the dentist can even lead to skipping dental procedures. For those patients dental fear is a constant battle that they do not want to confront.

Treatment

The fear of going to the dentist can be a very real fear. John Gamba was nine years old when he went through a horrible experience with the dentist. It led to a lifetime fear of visiting the dentist. As an adult he was unable drive past a dental facility without trembling. He now specializes in treating patients who are scared.

If you believe that you might have a dental phobia then you should talk to your dentist and inform him about your fears. Your dentist will be able identify the triggers behind your anxiety so that you can manage it accordingly. Some of your fears could be related to sore or painful teeth, injections, or even to hearing aids.

You may be offered relaxation or sedation techniques to help you overcome your fear of going to the dentist. If these methods aren’t suitable for you, your dentist may suggest a different option for treatment. You could also seek psychological support to conquer your fear.

Many people have an extreme fear of the dentist. They avoid going to the dentist due to being embarrassedand worried about being considered a failure or not be able afford dental care. Others are afraid of the pain and might end up feeling embarrassed. Some people may be anxious about dealing with judgmental questions about their dental flossing habits or being in someone’s mouth for a long period of time.

The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with dental anxiety is that you must be in control. Your dentist should explain the process to you, and then ask for your consent prior to proceeding. A dentist who is friendly with you will 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 afraid of visits to the dentist. One technique is to do gradual muscle relaxation. Start with the muscles in your feet and then work your way up to the rest of your body. This will allow you to concentrate on your breathing and take your mind off the dental procedure. If you’re extremely scared of going to the dentist, you may want to consider consulting an therapist. A therapist can assist you to discover techniques to help you to become more comfortable with dental procedures.

The fear of going to the dentist is often tied to past experiences. A lot of people fear going to the dentist after suffering from terrible experiences in their childhood. In other instances it could be due to concerns about your oral health, for instance, bleeding gums. Some people dislike the sounds and feel of dental instruments.

Meditation is a great method to reduce anxiety and fear. Meditation allows you to concentrate on your breath, and to calm your mind. Another method is to concentrate on your body and relax them. Taking deep breaths helps to calm you and decrease stress levels. These techniques can help you feel less stressed before your next dental appointment.

Exposure therapy is a different option. Exposure therapy is a method of gradually exposing your body to the fears you have. This helps you to overcome your fears and to de-sensitize your body to it. This is among the most effective anxiety treatment options available.

Genetic component

A study has shown that there is a genetic factor to fear of the dentist. Particularly genetic factors were associated with the fear of discomfort during dental procedures. While the exact causes of dental fear are still unclear, the findings suggest that fear of pain is a significant factor. Fear of pain is a widespread fear that affects millions of people around the world.

The authors of the study identified 85 people who were affected by a genetic variant linked to dental fear. They found that the individuals were twice as likely to avoid getting dental care as other patients. The authors controlled for sex and general trait anxiety in their study. They also found that people who have naturally red hair were more likely to experience fear of the dentist.

The association between alcohol dependence and dental fear was also examined by researchers. The study found that dental fear levels that were high were associated with negative mood. It also was associated with feelings of negativity and mood in social situations. Smokers who smoked cigarettes or snuff were more likely than men who did not smoke or drink to have high dental anxiety.

Genetic factors could be a factor in dental anxiety, says McNeil. She is the director of the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia that is funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Researchers are currently studying a genetic variant that could cause dental anxiety and an increase in pain sensitivity. Dental anxiety can have a variety of consequences, including periodontal disease and bad breath. A decayed or missing tooth can impact an individual’s self-esteem and negatively impact employability. Periodontal disease can result in cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes.