The Vicious Cycle of Not Going to the Dentist

Many people have fears that involve some type of medical issue or procedure. For some, having a fear of dentist visits is very real. But why is going to the dentist so scary for so many? 

Before figuring out how to break the vicious cycle of not going to the dentist, you need to know whether you have a dental fear or a dental phobia, otherwise known as dentophobia.

A fear can be a strong dislike for something. It might even cause you to avoid encounters, like scheduling dentist appointments. A phobia is a much stronger version of fear. 

Phobias are classified as anxiety disorders. They can cause severe stress and avoidance. A phobia can often interfere with your daily life. In reality, though, phobias don’t cause harm. But those who suffer from a phobia feel as though it will.

Having regular cleanings and checkups is an important part of any good dental regimen. That helps keep your teeth healthy in the long run. Try implementing any or all of these tips to conquer your fear of dentist appointments.

Perhaps part of the problem is you never had a dentist you connected with. Try asking family and friends for recommendations. Those are the people you trust the most. They are sure to give you a solid reference if they see a dentist they really like. This is especially true if they are aware of your fears.

A lot of dentists have their own websites. You can read about the dentist’s credentials, learn about the staff, and read reviews from current or former patients. You should also be able to see what types of services the practice offers or specializes in. That is especially important if you need treatment for a specific dental problem. 

Once you select a practice, talk to the dentist and the staff about your fears. You certainly aren’t their first patient to have dental anxiety. If the staff is as concerned about their patients as you think they are, they’ll be more than glad to hear your concerns and do all they can to provide a pleasant and trusting environment.

They will also be glad to answer questions you have about specific treatments and procedures you need

Relaxation will play a critical role in having a positive dental experience. Try some simple tricks to make you calm. For instance, you can listen to music or an audiobook by wearing headphones. Or bring a stress ball to squeeze. Envision your happy place while squeezing the ball.

You can also employ mindfulness techniques. Count your breaths as you slowly inhale and exhale for the same number of counts. Or try a body scan. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles, starting at your head all the way down to your feet. Focus on one muscle group at a time.

Taking care of your teeth is just one part of your overall health. You eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to keep your cholesterol, weight, and cardiovascular health in check. The same holds true for your teeth. 

Maintaining a healthy mouth does more than just give you a friendly smile. It also prevents several serious oral health issues from emerging later. Those issues can involve in-depth, lengthy, and expensive procedures to resolve.

Healthy teeth mean no cavities, no gum disease, and no dental procedures other than regular cleanings.

Many people hear the term “self-care” and think of exercising, taking a yoga class, or getting a massage. But you can practice self-care for the mouth too. Here are some ways to practice oral self-care:

• Hydration: Drinking water is great for your body – including the mouth. Water helps wash away food particles before they can become plaque. It also helps maintain your saliva flow.
• Keep teeth strong: This starts with eating a healthy diet and regular brushing and flossing. You can improve those habits by using toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. Also, try brushing with an electric toothbrush.
• Improve your smile: Keeping your teeth white with brushing and regular cleanings is great. But you can also discuss tooth whitening kits and processes with your dentist. Or, look into Invisalign if your smile isn’t quite as straight as you’d prefer.

So why are dental checkups important? The main reason is that avoiding oral care provided by a dentist now potentially leads to serious and costly mouth issues later. Dentists perform visual exams along with teeth cleanings. That helps them spot issues early on.

By the time a patient knows something in their mouth is wrong, due to chronic pain or some other symptom, the cost to fix the problem is considerably higher than if caught in its early stages. An example of this is catching tooth decay symptoms before irreversible damage is done to your teeth.

Part of keeping your teeth healthy is having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. But that dental visit is so much more than just polishing teeth to a brighter shade of white. 

• Cavity detection: Your dentist will give your teeth a thorough exam when looking for cavities. If found early enough, cavities are easier and less expensive to treat.
• Check your fillings: If you already have a cavity or two, your dentist will want to check their condition. Any loose or decaying fillings will need treatment.
• Gum disease detection:  Like cavities, the earlier gum disease is found, the better. Gingivitis, the initial phase of gum disease, can be reversed before it morphs into gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss.
• Oral cancer detection: Cancer can strike most parts of the body, including the mouth. Your dentist will inspect your mouth for signs and symptoms. This is critically important if you use tobacco.
• Dry mouth and bad breath: Patients might not realize they have either condition. Your dentist can diagnose and treat both.
• Discuss mouth health regimen: It is always a good idea to talk to your dentist about what you do daily to keep your teeth healthy. Your dentist can offer suggestions or alter your program too.
• Protect overall health: Gum disease has been shown to be linked to serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Protect your family’s health: Kids need regular checkups too. Tooth decay is one of the most common afflictions among children in the U.S.

Consult your dentist about your fears regarding dental appointments, how to break the cycle of skipping appointments, and why oral care is so beneficial to your health. Or, check out The Smile Generation to find a dentist near you for all your oral health needs. You can read patient reviews, peruse staff bios, and schedule an appointment online with a click of your mouse.