The Common Causes of Dental Anxiety

Did you miss your appointment with your family dentist in Issaquah again? It would have been fine if you missed one appointment but if you’ve been canceling appointments for years, you have to ask yourself why. One of the reasons why people skip dental appointments is fear or anxiety.

According to statistics, nearly fifty percent of Americans suffer from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety range from mild to moderate. It’s a condition where the person experiences fear, nervousness, and discomfort at the thought of seeing the dentist. 

Sadly, dental anxiety is one of the reasons why people keep avoiding the dentist unless they suffer from severe pain that they can no longer tolerate or if they’ve incurred extensive damage that only a dentist can address.  

What are the Factors that Contribute to Dental Anxiety? 

• Pain – no one likes to experience pain. The fear of pain is natural and the main reason why people avoid their dentist. Usually, this fear comes from a previous dental experience or traumatic stories they’ve heard in the past. Keeping yourself abreast of the latest news in the dental industry will help you understand that most of the procedures done today are pain-free. 

• Injections – the fear of needles is common in people. Who wants to get poked with a sharp piece of metal, right? Obviously, no one. Especially, if it’s inserted into the soft tissues of your mouth. Even though they’re told that the anesthesia will numb the site, they still fear that the procedure might begin even if the anesthesia hasn’t kicked in yet.

• Side Effects – although they were told that the anesthesia will free them from pain, still many people are scared because of the side effects of the drug. They are afraid that they might faint, feel nauseous, or get dizzy.

• Helplessness – when you feel helpless and out of control you feel vulnerable and this is what happens the moment people lay on that reclining dental chair. They don’t want to feel vulnerable and to avoid this unease, they choose not to see their dentist.

• Embarrassment – sometimes fear stems from embarrassment. People don’t feel comfortable when another person peers into their mouth. They are scared of being judged and they don’t like the feeling that someone is too close to their face invading their personal space.  
  

What Happens If You Keep Avoiding Your Dentist? 

Are there consequences if you keep avoiding your family dentist? The answer is yes. Studies show that if you continue to cancel your dental appointments your oral health and your overall health will suffer the consequences.  

Did you know that poor oral health has been linked to major health problems like diabetes, premature babies, low birth weight babies, respiratory disease, and heart disease? Dealing with dental pain is essential for your overall health and wellbeing not just for your oral health. 

How Do You Cope with Dental Anxiety?

If you’re anxious about your next dental appointment, there are a few things you can do to overcome this emotion. You can discuss your fears with your dentist.

Let them know why you’re nervous and anxious and be honest about what’s really holding you back from seeing them. Once your dentist identifies where your fear is coming from, they can educate you and provide you with clarity.  

Are You Looking for a Reliable Family Dentist in Issaquah?

Discussing your fears and apprehensions with your dentist will help ease your anxiety. A good family dentist knows how to make you feel better and encourage you to prioritize your oral health. So that the next time you’re scheduled for an appointment, instead of fear you’ll feel the anticipation.  

At Apex Dental Care, we take your oral health seriously. We have been in the industry for nearly two decades and we take pride in our skills and experience in providing general, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. For questions and inquiries, don’t hesitate to call us for more information.