Did you know that "dental phobia" is a recognized mental disorder by psychologists nationwide? The DSM (diagnosis manual) describes the condition as a "marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable".
If you're suffering from this fear of dental professionals, you're not alone! While there aren't really any reliable numbers on how many people struggle with dental phobia, some of the more conservative guesses suggest the number is about 5% of people in the US.
That is a huge number! Since so many people are afflicted by this condition, it's important to recognize how it can affect your life, and also your teeth! One of the main reasons that dental practitioners recommend annual check-ups is that so many of the things we take into our bodies in this day and age can negatively impact our dental health.
Smoking, soda, ice, even some kinds of fruits can be damaging to our teeth! The importance of annual check-ups and of having a good relationship with your local dentist cannot be overstated.
So here are some common dental fears many experience, and how you can face and overcome them: 1.
Fear of the unknown: This is an almost universal fear for people, but it has an easy fix for dental professionals.
Just find a dentist that will talk with you before the procedure! Just sitting down and getting to know him/her and understanding the dental procedure can do wonders to feel more at ease.
2.
Fear of the dental equipment: This fear is completely reasonable and natural.
Most people aren't too comfortable with sharp metallic tools being stuck into their mouths.
A possible solution here is to ask the dentist if he would explain what the tools are and what they are used for.
Any good dentist would be more than willing to oblige.
3.
Fear of loud noises: This fear can be tricky because the noises of the dental tools can seem very ominous.
In fact, the noise of dental tools has often been used in scary movies! You might want to try simple earplugs for this one, and see if the reduction in volume helps you feel more at ease.
You may be able to find a good local dentist that already stocks them in their office.
4.
Fear of feeling stifled: Some people have a very hard time breathing through their nose, and since dental work can obstruct the mouth, it can be a claustrophobic experience.
Just the feeling of being stifled can lead many patients to the verge of panic.
The solution? Nasal strips.
Just apply the strip right at the dental office.
Don't worry, most dentists have seen patients that have used nasal strips before.
If you're suffering from this fear of dental professionals, you're not alone! While there aren't really any reliable numbers on how many people struggle with dental phobia, some of the more conservative guesses suggest the number is about 5% of people in the US.
That is a huge number! Since so many people are afflicted by this condition, it's important to recognize how it can affect your life, and also your teeth! One of the main reasons that dental practitioners recommend annual check-ups is that so many of the things we take into our bodies in this day and age can negatively impact our dental health.
Smoking, soda, ice, even some kinds of fruits can be damaging to our teeth! The importance of annual check-ups and of having a good relationship with your local dentist cannot be overstated.
So here are some common dental fears many experience, and how you can face and overcome them: 1.
Fear of the unknown: This is an almost universal fear for people, but it has an easy fix for dental professionals.
Just find a dentist that will talk with you before the procedure! Just sitting down and getting to know him/her and understanding the dental procedure can do wonders to feel more at ease.
2.
Fear of the dental equipment: This fear is completely reasonable and natural.
Most people aren't too comfortable with sharp metallic tools being stuck into their mouths.
A possible solution here is to ask the dentist if he would explain what the tools are and what they are used for.
Any good dentist would be more than willing to oblige.
3.
Fear of loud noises: This fear can be tricky because the noises of the dental tools can seem very ominous.
In fact, the noise of dental tools has often been used in scary movies! You might want to try simple earplugs for this one, and see if the reduction in volume helps you feel more at ease.
You may be able to find a good local dentist that already stocks them in their office.
4.
Fear of feeling stifled: Some people have a very hard time breathing through their nose, and since dental work can obstruct the mouth, it can be a claustrophobic experience.
Just the feeling of being stifled can lead many patients to the verge of panic.
The solution? Nasal strips.
Just apply the strip right at the dental office.
Don't worry, most dentists have seen patients that have used nasal strips before.
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