28 Aug New research shows....
New research has shown that fear of the dentist can not only affect oral health, but can seriously damage overall quality of life.
The study, published in the International Dental Journal, revealed that dental anxiety can strongly affect you psychologically and socially, leading to feelings such as shame, poor self-confidence and social isolation 1.
Key elements of social wellbeing, such as income and education, were also negatively affected by dental anxiety.
Those interviewed were almost twice as likely to have lower incomes if they feared visiting the dentist. The results also showed that they were twice as likely to suffer from poor oral health.
More than 10 million adults in Poland experience some level of dental anxiety and around six million suffer from dental phobia.
"This is an extremely common concern and one of the key reasons why people do not visit the dentist as often as they should. This can put you at risk of serious oral health problems and, as research shows, other important areas of your life.
"Avoiding a visit to the dentist because of fear increases the risk of losing oral health problems, such as early signs of decay or gum disease, until it is too late for effective treatment and you have no choice but to have treatment.
"It can also affect confidence and other elements of mental wellbeing, which can have a social impact on your relationships and even your career.
"It can also lead to potentially significant health problems, as untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
"Modern dentistry is different from the horror stories you might base your dental anxiety on, and thanks to modern techniques, all the dental treatments are now virtually painless. There really is no need to fear a visit to the dentist. "
Here are some top tips to help you overcome your fear of the dentist:
Do your research
"This starts long before you set foot in a dentist's office. Conduct light research to find a 'good dentist'.
"Talk to your friends and family about their positive experiences with the dentist, this may help you find a dentist who is right for you.nMany patients find their dentist by recommendation and this seems a sensible approach that may put you at ease."
Make an appointment
"It's a great place to make a choice that can really help you overcome your anxiety. Make an appointment first thing in the morning, by doing this you have less time to think about it on the same day and are less likely to back out.
Talk and ask questions
"When it comes to the appointment, communication is key. Dentists are used to anxious patients because it's a very common problem, so they understand how to make your experience as smooth and easy as possible.
"Discuss with them everything that will happen during the visit, if you have a question, ask it.
"Getting as much information as possible should help ease your anxiety."
Get support
The dentists will be happy for you to invite a friend or family member to visit the Clinic to get the support you need.
"After a check-up or treatment you will leave saying: 'well that wasn't so bad' and the next visit will be much easier for you."
Bibliography
1 Hakeberg, M. and Wide, U. (2018). General oral health problems in adults with a focus on those with dental anxiety International Dental Journal.
