People who have dental anxiety don’t visit dentists regularly. But they do more harm to themselves than good. Not going to the dentist can cause plaque in hard-to-reach areas, causing gum disease or bleeding. 

If left untreated, these problems can lead to tooth and bone loss. To prevent that from happening, you should try to visit your dentist at least every six months. 

But if that thought gives you anxiety, let’s talk about how you can overcome your fear with help from our Oshkosh dentists

Causes of Dental Anxiety

There are several reasons for dental anxiety, such as: 

Fear of Pain, the Unknown, and Needles

Most people are afraid of experiencing unknown pain in their mouths. The thought keeps them from going to get regular dental checkups. 

In contrast, others might freak out seeing needles inserted into their mouths. They may also faint or feel terrified as well. 

Embarrassment or Discomfort 

Some people feel discomfort and embarrassment when they open their mouths before dentists. They may fear being criticized for their dental habits. This can lead to them regularly avoiding dental checkups, leading to gum disease and bone loss. 

Effects of Dental Anxiety on Oral Health

Having dental anxiety can have the following effects on your oral health: 

  • You might begin to ignore oral discomforts, causing them to mature into unfixable issues like tooth decay or even tooth loss. In the long run, this will negatively impact your confidence and overall way of life. 
  • You may suffer from nausea because blood and bacteria will leak into your stomach and disrupt your gut biome. 
  • You’ll have to spend more to fix your dental issues than it would cost to go to dental checkups. 

4 Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Going to Oshkosh Dentists 

According to our dentists at Timothy T. Ryan, here are some tips to overcome dental anxiety:

Talk to Us

We recommend you communicate your fears and anxiety to our dentists. That way, we can understand what triggers your dental anxiety and help make your procedure as painless as possible. 

Our dentists will also answer all your questions and walk you through each step of the procedure so you don’t feel scared. 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

You can practice meditation or deep breathing to calm down before getting a dental procedure. Visualization techniques may also help soothe your anxiety and help you remain calm during the treatment. 

Use Sedation

Only some dental treatments require needles and drills. If you are in for such a treatment, panic is unnecessary.

Ask your dentist to administer local anesthesia. You won’t feel anything during your procedure, which will be done in a jiffy.

Take Breaks

Ask our Oshkosh dentists for breaks if your procedure is a bit longer, such as a root canal. During your break, you can go for a walk or do something distracting you from your anxiety.

FAQ

Can medication help me overcome my dental anxiety?

Some medications, such as sedatives and anti-anxiety medicines, can help relieve your anxiety. However, it is better to first consult your dentist about your situation.

How often should I see a dentist if I have dental anxiety?

If you have dental anxiety, you should visit a dentist once every six months, even if everything seems normal. However, if you have specific dental problems, you should visit the dentist more often. The exact schedule should be discussed with your dentist.

Is it common to feel embarrassed or ashamed about dental anxiety?

It is common for people to be embarrassed about having dental anxiety. And that’s what we are here for. We will talk to you, listen to you, and help you overcome the anxiety that stands in the way of you having a bright smile.