If your oral health isn’t in the best shape, it can feel especially intimidating to let someone examine your mouth and teeth. You may feel like your dentist or hygienist will judge you for neglecting your oral health or for having issues with your teeth.
Full Answer
Should I feel bad if the dentist makes me feel bad?
Jan 12, 2015 · A common pattern of fraud is a patient visiting a new dentist for a checkup and being told he or she needs a ton of work. Of course, if you’re in lots of pain, or haven’t been to the dentist in years, this might not apply. Trust Your Gut. If you have a bad feeling, walk away. Dentists are there to help you, they should not be pressuring you.
Do you have a fear of what a dentist will think?
Needles – some people may not like needles in general. Others don’t like the thought of injections into their gums. The drill – a fear of drilling may be caused by a dislike of the sound and vibration as well as fears about pain. Pain. Embarrassment about bad teeth – this can be connected to guilt about poor dental hygiene or bad breath ...
Why do people go to the dentist?
Another third have other issues for which fear of dentists can be an unpleasant side effect, such as various mood or anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or …
Are You embarrassed about visiting the dentist?
A toothache that will not go away is an urgent sign that something is definitely wrong. Since there are a variety of potential causes to a toothache, visiting us is crucial to receive the proper treatment. 2. Ongoing headaches. You must not ignore jaw …
Why is it important to visit your dentist?
Choosing to visit your dentist regularly can help ensure you get to experience your highest potential to live healthfully. Be the reason you experience the benefits of good oral health each and every day.
What are the health problems associated with poor oral health?
Poor oral health has been associated with serious health issues, like cardiovascular disease , diabetes , Alzheimer’s , premature birth, and low birth weight. Certain medical conditions, such as disorders of the immune and metabolic systems, can also make you more likely to experience oral health issues.
Does poor oral health affect your health?
While poor oral health can contribute to tooth loss, health issues , low self-esteem, and the need for more extensive and expensive dental work, good oral health can preserve your teeth, boost your overall health, increase self-confidence, and require minimal preventative maintenance.
Is it bad to brush and floss?
If you routinely brush, floss, and are symptom-free, it’s easy to believe that your oral health is already in good standing and that visiting the dentist is more of a nuisance than a need. Though your proactivity is definitely praiseworthy and worth continuing, even your best oral hygiene efforts can’t remove tartar or replicate the tools and techniques of a dental team.
Can you remove tartar from your teeth?
Though your proactivity is definitely praiseworthy and worth continuing, even your best oral hygiene efforts can’t remove tartar or replicate the tools and techniques of a dental team. Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a rough, crusty deposit that forms when plaque is left on your teeth.
Can tartar be removed?
In addition to being unattractive and prone to stains, tartar makes it difficult to remove plaque from your teeth, heightening your risk for cavities, gum recession, and gum disease. Alongside the unmatched ability to remove sneaky tartar from your teeth, your dental team can detect dental issues early. Through routine exams and cleanings, your ...
Is time a commodity?
Time is truly one of our most valued commodities. In fact, research has demonstrated that spending money on something that saves us time can generate more happiness than splurging on something material. As we strive to preserve our precious time, skipping out on the dentist can seem like an easy way to keep some of those minutes for work or play.
Why do people have anxiety about dentists?
Many people have anxiety about seeing their dentist – even if they’ve only every had good experiences. That’s because anxiety is usually a fear about a future event. You’re worried about something that might happen.
Can dental anxiety affect your life?
These fears and anx ieties may affect your quality of life if they’re left untreated. They may prevent you having important treatment or visiting the dentist at all. If your dental fears are affecting your quality of life, it’s time to get some help. NLP is an especially great therapy for fears and phobias.
How to overcome dental anxiety?
Here are some tips to help overcome your dental fears and anxieties: 1 Identify your fear. Once you know exactly what you’re fearful about, you can start working towards a solution. 2 Choose a great dentist who listens and cares. Your fears will only increase if you’ve chosen a dentist who isn’t right for you. Consider a pediatric dentist for your children. 3 Take someone with you. Some patients find it comforting to take a friend along. 4 Ask for a perception of pain. You may find emotional relief from knowing what to expect with a treatment. Ask your dentist to pre-warn you about the sensations you might experience. For instance, will it be a tingle or feel like a mosquito bite? 5 Don’t be afraid to ask for sedation if you think it may help. 6 Learn about mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques. They are great ways to reduce your anxiety. 7 Seek professional help. The best course of action is to deal with the root cause of your fear. Unless you do this, you will always fear trips to the dentist. Do you really want to continue having to psych yourself up for every visit?
What is natural dentistry?
You may want to choose a dentist who practices natural dentistry. Natural dentistry combines modern dental techniques with a use of natural materials. It can also involve traditional therapies. Some of these therapies may be less invasive. They may help you relax and become less sensitive to discomfort.
Do kids need to see the dentist?
Don’t fool yourself that because your children are young, they don’t need to see the dentist for a while. They do. Regular check-ups are important to prevent them getting tooth decay. Even ‘baby teeth’ can become decayed. The worst thing you can do is to pick a random dentist and hope for the best.
Why is it important to have regular check ups?
Regular check-ups are important to prevent them getting tooth decay. Even ‘baby teeth’ can become decayed. The worst thing you can do is to pick a random dentist and hope for the best. Once you have a potential dentist in mind, try to speak to them yourself.
What is the fear of needles?
Dental Fear #1 – Fear of Needles. A fear of needles isn’t just restricted to dental patients. Nearly 1 in 5 people have needle fear of some sort when seeing a medical practitioner. Make sure that you acknowledge your fears by talking to your dentist before the appointment. They are familiar with these anxieties and may have ways to help.
How to overcome fear of dentist?
Here are a few tips that may help you overcome your fear of the dentist: Go to that first visit with someone you trust, such as a close relative who has no fear of dentists, Bynes suggests. Bynes even encourages friends and relatives to sit with the patient during treatment.
What to do if you can't bring yourself to the dentist?
If you can't bring yourself to go to any dentist, you might want to try seeing a psychologist first, says Ronald Kleinknecht, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Western Washington University and co-author of Treating Fearful Dental Patients.
How to control a dentist?
The best dentists use simple methods to enhance that feeling of control, Milgrom says: 1 They gently explain what the patient will soon feel, and for about how long. 2 They frequently ask the patient for permission to continue. 3 They give the patient the opportunity to stop the procedure at any time the patient feels uncomfortable. ("I give them a cue," Bynes says. "If for any reason they need to stop, raise your left hand.") 4 They make time for breaks as requested.
How old was John Gamba when he stopped going to the dentist?
John Gamba was 9 years old when a dentist failed to anesthetize a back molar properly and hit a nerve dead-on. The result was a lifelong fear of dentists that reached a peak in his 20s, when he stopped going to the dentist entirely. "I couldn't even drive by a dentist's office without getting stressed out," he tells WebMD.
Is gum disease a serious infection?
The consequences of this problem may go far beyond dental pain or lost teeth. Gum disease is a serious infection that can affect other parts of the body.
What are the consequences of gum disease?
Gum disease is a serious infection that can affect other parts of the body. Studies now link it to illnesses including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
Another technique is progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in turn. Review with your dentist which sedatives are available or appropriate. Options include local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), oral sedatives, and intravenous sedation.
What does pain mean in dentistry?
Pain is the body's way of telling us that something is wrong. If your pain is getting in the way of being able to perform everyday functions, then it is time for you to make a dental appointment.
Is it important to see a dentist regularly?
Visiting your general dentist regularly is important. Your dentist can detect warning signs of periodontal disease during a dental checkup. This chronic condition affects many people and can have serious consequences for your dental health. It is beneficial for you to know the signs you should watch for that may indicate you have some form….
What are the signs of urgent care?
We can address the issue and determine the most effective treatment method. 1. An ongoing toothache. A toothache that will not go away is an urgent sign that something is definitely wrong.
What does it mean when a tooth is cracked?
The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have of successful tooth repair. 5. A tooth that is extremely loose or has been knocked out.
Can a dentist detect periodontal disease?
Your dentist can detect warning signs of periodontal disease during a dental checkup. This chronic condition affects many people and can have serious consequences for your dental health. It is beneficial for you to know the signs you should watch for that may indicate you have some form….
Why do you need a crown and filling?
Fillings and crowns protect teeth from infection and other issues. When they are loose or lost, the individual needs to replace them as soon as possible to continue protecting the tooth.
What are the symptoms of a toothache?
You may feel embarrassed about: 1 the state of your teeth 2 “having let things get this bad” 3 being judged 4 your lack of oral hygiene 5 not having seen a dentist for a long time or 6 being fearful.
Why is embarrassment important?
Showing embarrassment sends out a signal that you’re sensitive to social rules and concerned that you’ve transgressed 3. Embarrassment saves face and makes people (including dentists) like and forgive you.
What do dentists do?
Treating dental problems is what dentists do. Most caring professionals are there to treat their patients’ problems, and offer restorative solutions. If a dentist berates you for the condition of these teeth, get up and walk out. And if even a dentist tells you to get up and walk out….
Why does my oral health get worse?
Depression. Depression and other mental health issues can cause your oral health to get worse. When you are depressed, you’re less likely to look after your health. You may not be able to drag yourself out of bed or have a shower, never mind brush your teeth.
cost.
The Belief That Oral Health Is Already Good.
- If you routinely brush, floss, and are symptom-free, it’s easy to believe that your oral health is already in good standing and that visiting the dentist is more of a nuisance than a need. Though your proactivity is definitely praiseworthy and worth continuing, even your best oral hygiene efforts can’t remove tartar or replicate the tools and techniques of a dental team. Tartar, also kn…
time.
- Time is truly one of our most valued commodities. In fact, research has demonstrated that spending money on something that saves us time can generate more happinessthan splurging on something material. As we strive to preserve our precious time, skipping out on the dentist can seem like an easy way to keep some of those minutes for work or play. Like all other justificatio…
Anxiety
- If dental anxiety or fear has stopped you from seeing your dentist, you’re not alone. An estimated 80% of Americans have some level of dental anxiety, with 9% to 15% avoiding the dentist entirelydue to anxiety or fear. Unfortunately, because those with dental anxiety have a tendency to cancel or avoid dental visits, they are more likely to experien...
Shame
- If your oral health isn’t in the best shape, it can feel especially intimidating to let someone examine your mouth and teeth. You may feel like your dentist or hygienist will judge you for neglecting your oral health or for having issues with your teeth. A vicious cycle, the longer the shame stops you from seeing your dentist, the greater your oral health issues will be. So how ca…
Missing The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
- In addition to being linked to our mental wellbeing (see #4 and #5), your oral health directly influences the health of your entire body. Poor oral health has been associated with serious health issues, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, premature birth, and low birth weight. Certain medical conditions, such as disorders of the immune and metabolic systems, can also …