Are you facing dental anxiety?
For most people who visit the dentist, the experiences have been less memorable than pleasant. Well, the thought of an upcoming dental appointment is a source of anxiety for many. A phobia of sitting in the dentist's chair can cause many panic reactions including acting up, nausea, shortness of breath, etc.
While dental anxiety is a reality, it is also true that the
first thing a person notices about a person is their teeth. Undoubtedly, there is
a strong connection between oral health and a person's overall health. And
guess what? There is also a link between dental anxiety and self-confidence.
Dental
anxiety is a common and normal response to the idea of going to the dentist.
The
most common type of dental anxiety is related to the fear of pain. People often
have dental anxiety because they are afraid that they will not be able to
handle the pain that comes with a procedure.
Effects of dental anxiety
It
is normal to have some feelings of apprehension when you visit a dental office
for the first time, but if you are experiencing extreme fear and panic at the
thought of visiting a dentist, then you may be suffering from dental anxiety.
Although some people suffer from dental anxiety and do nothing
about it, its significant impact on other aspects of life cannot be ignored.
Not only are dental problems neglected, but symptoms such as anxiety and fear
of dentistry also contribute to low self-esteem. This leads to phobias and
feelings of guilt for neglecting dental health. In the past, there have been
cases when these effects affect overall well-being and harm one's social life.
There are several reasons why you may have anxiety about the
dentist. Perhaps you had a painful experience in the dental chair when you were
a child.
It
is normal to experience dental anxiety. It is not just normal, but it is
natural for people to be scared of going to the dentist. People are often
afraid of the dentist because they have heard stories about people receiving
painful treatment or even worse, being told that they need a root canal.
-Anxiety
that the dentist will cause you pain
-Fear
of shots and thinking they won't work
-Get
scared when you hear the sound of the drill
-The
discomfort of someone working in your mouth
-Shame
on you for not taking care of your teeth
Whatever
the root cause of your fear, the fact is that your dental health is important
to your overall health.
However,
there are ways to overcome dental anxiety and get the care that you need. Here
are some tips to follow:
-Practice
deep breathing
-Talk
with your dentist about your concerns and ask questions
-Make
an appointment during off hours if possible
-Ask
your dentist if they have any sedation options available
-
Find
a dental clinic that caters to the dental phobic.
-
Don't
go alone on your first dental visit
-
Be
on time, but not early.
-
Stop
when you need a break.
-
Make
your next appointment before leaving the dental clinic
There
are many ways that you can get help for your dental anxiety including taking
medication before your appointment and talking with someone who has been
through what you are going through.
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