Dental phobia is a common occurrence that affects many people. This can cause affected individuals to avoid seeing the dentist, which can impact their overall oral health. It is important to see your dentist regularly, because they will be able to thoroughly clean your teeth, as well as effectively remove plaque and tartar. Additionally, your dentist will be able to find problems with your oral health in the early stages, which can help prevent them from becoming larger problems. Overcoming dental phobia can help ensure that you are able to see your dentist regularly.
Common Causes of Dental Phobia
There are many things that can cause or lead to dental phobia. It can be caused by prior traumatic experiences, including both dental-related experiences and other types of trauma. Dental phobia can be caused by generalized anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A fear of pain or loss of control, as well as trust issues, can also lead to dental phobia or anxiety.
Signs of Dental Phobia
Knowing the signs of dental phobia can help you determine if you have dental phobia. Sweating and a racing heartbeat while in the dental office can indicate dental phobia. Low-blood pressure, visible distress, and emotional withdrawal are additional signifiers of dental phobia. If you have trouble sleeping the night before the dental exam, there is a good chance that you are experiencing dental-related anxiety.
Coping Mechanisms
Coping mechanisms can help you manage your dental phobia, which can help you visit your dentist as frequently as is necessary. Deep breathing or meditation can help you minimize the negative effects of dental phobia. Using distraction methods, such as watching a movie or listening to music, can help with dental phobia. Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and hypnosis are additional methods that can help with dental phobia.
The first step to dealing with dental phobia is to consult with your dentist. Dental phobia is a common occurrence and dentists are equipped to handle these situations. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the advice necessary to allow you to obtain your regular dental cleanings. To learn more about how to deal with dental phobia, or to schedule your regular dental cleaning, contact us at Leavitt Family Dentistry today!
