Tuesday, November 15, 2016

What Are the Causes And Symptoms Of Dental Phobia And Anxiety?

Have you heard of a phobia called Xanthophobia? It is the fear of yellow color. Deipnophobia is the fear of dinner party. This is why you never accept your buddy’s dinner party invitations. Your favorite celebrity is not a jerk. She refused to give autograph because she is afraid of writing in public. It is Scriptophobia. The dental phobia is not as weird and unusual as these phobias. Some people are reluctant to dental appointments. However, most of the dental procedures are pain-free. On the other hand, they have no problem in visiting a physician.

Dental Phobia


They will do anything to give a wide berth to the dentist. They can live with pain, gum infection, missing teeth, unsightly yellow teeth but they will not visit their family dentistry for years.

The dental phobia is pretty common.

Approximately, 9 to 15% of Americans are afraid of visiting a dentist. 

36% of the cases of the dental phobia are because of fear.  

                                                                      - British Dental Health Foundation


Here, it is important to understand that dental anxiety is different from dental phobia.

Dental anxiety
is simply the feeling of uneasiness before the appointment.

Dental phobia is an intense fear. A person suffering from the dental phobia is panic stricken or terrified.

What Causes Dental Phobia and Anxiety?    


Dental Phobia and Anxiety
 Pain

According to a survey, 6% of the people who hadn’t seen a dentist for a year say that they do not visit a dental clinic due to the fear of pain.

Loss of Control and Feeling of Helplessness 


People have to stay still when the dentists are examining their teeth. They have to keep their mouth open. They can’t even see what’s going on.

Negative Past Experience 


Pain and discomfort during the last visit are other causes of dental anxiety and phobia.

Embarrassment 


Self-conscious people are embarrassed when someone looks into their mouth. The dentist has to work closely. The dentist’s face is just a few inches away from the mouth of the patient. This sometimes makes people feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

Symptoms of Dental Phobia and Anxiety

•    Having trouble in sleeping the night before the appointment
•    Feeling nervous in the waiting room
•    Feeling like crying just before going to the dentist especially on the sight of dental instruments
•    Thinking that visiting the dentist will make you feel physically ill
•    Panic or trouble in breathing when a dental instrument is placed in the mouth.

If you are afraid of visiting a dental clinic in Seattle, you shouldn’t. Dentists are not only trained to examine and treat oral problems. They also know how to make the patient feel comfortable. Therefore, visit a dentist even when there is a minor oral or dental issue. You should always remember that bad oral health means bad well-being.

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