Top 3 Causes of Dental Anxiety

All over the world, people struggle with dental anxiety. About 15 percent of Americans suffer from some type of dental phobia. Recent English studies revealed that dental appointments cause more anxiety than a fear of creepy-crawlies like spiders or snakes. Without proper dental care, the health of teeth and gums is at risk. Poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other medical issues, so tooth loss is not the patient’s only concern.

With good oral hygiene and routine check-ups, many people can enjoy healthy smiles, and avoid the following top three elements of dental phobia that can be so frightening:

1. Fear of the unknown is a major cause of dental anxiety. Concerns about pain control, criticism, or treatment expense may cause people to avoid going to the dentist until they are forced to by excruciating pain. Talking about anxiety issues with the dentist or office staff, and touring the facility before an appointment can help quell fears.
2. Sharp dental instruments near a person’s face often cause panic. Many people worry that a slip of the drill could end in painful disaster. In fact, dental drills are the causative factor in many cases of dentist fear. Alternative technologies like air abrasion are available in some clinics. Other common instruments like probes don’t cause as much fear if the dentist introduces the patient to them and explains how they are used before the exam begins.
3. The whine of a dental drill or the sound of a suction tube also trigger dental fear. It’s virtually impossible for a dentist to complete his or her work without making some noise, so the best solution is to mask it. Wearing earplugs or listening to music through headphones helps many people tolerate treatment. Some offices even offer DVD or television entertainment in the treatment room to help distract patients.

Conservative measures often help to reduce dental anxiety, but if fear is causing poor oral health, consultation with a mental health professional for medication or behavioral therapy is usually effective.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Indiana, call Wadas Dental today or make an appointment.