Many people are hesitant or feel afraid about going to the dentist for various reasons.
Some of these reasons include:
- Dental anxiety regarding the cost of the dental treatment or procedure done
- Fear of needing dental work
- Stress due to a traumatic dental experience in the past
- Phobia of dental instruments
- Busy schedule that prevents them from visiting the dentist
- Fear or annoyance when dentists lecture them what to do and how to properly take care of their oral health
Many a time, it is not only the children who experience fear or trauma about going to the dentist. At times, adults also encounter such feelings.
Here are some things that cause people to avoid visiting the dentist, either intentionally or unintentionally:
Experiencing Panic attacks
Some patients suffer from severe panic attacks before they see their dentist. They may experience heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, excessive sweating, and trouble breathing, for instance. This hinders them from receiving a dental treatment or procedure.
The recollection of bad memories, especially childhood experiences
Some people are fearful of going to the dentist because they think that the unpleasant experience they had encountered in the past may happen again. The reason why they can’t face the dentist is because they are reminded of the traumatic experience they had before. Since they do not want to encounter this again, they choose not go to the dentist anymore.
A schedule that is “too busy”
Some people claim that they are too busy and need to finish more important matters. So, they delay their dental appointment until a time this is already long forgotten.
Fear of demonstrating their fear
A lot of people are fearful that they will cry or display embarrassing behaviors in front of the dentist, and they fear that the people around them will think they’re crazy. This keeps them from visiting the dentist and receiving necessary dental care.
Please be guided that the best approach to addressing your personal reasons for avoiding dental appointments is to consult your dentist. This way, your dentist can reassure you and can advise you on how to overcome such issues.
You are the only one who can fight your fears and reasons of avoidance, and the change starts with you. By avoiding what fears you, you only reaffirm that what you fear is valid, even if it truly isn’t.
Don’t allow your worries and fears from inhibiting you from doing what you want and need to do. If fear rules you, then you won’t be able to enjoy life the way you could. If you let your worries and fear conquer you, you won’t be able to obtain that beautiful, healthy smile you’re aiming for.
