Many underestimate the impact dental phobias can have on their overall health and wellbeing. In addition to this, their dental anxieties can also make it difficult to live a desirable quality of life.

Findings from a UK Adult Dental Health Survey indicate that 36 per cent of adults report moderate feelings of dental anxiety. Dental phobia is described as the fear of receiving dental care at the hands of a dentist Stevenage. These anxious feelings can pose a problem for adults and children – they may leave their poor oral health issues untreated due to their fears, with the result that minor issues progress to become major problems.

There are many causes for these dental anxieties including childhood experiences and negative or painful experiences. Dental anxieties can also be triggered by specific aspects of dental care in a professional setting. Patients may be afraid of the use of needles, the sound of the dental drill, the state of dental decay in their mouths, the invasion of their personal space or the choking or gagging that is associated with some of the dental procedures.

The impact of dental phobia on health

Dental phobia is a worrying concern, especially if it leads to total avoidance of professional dental care. Dental practitioners play a vital role in maintaining oral health, from the dental check-ups recommended every six months to the wide range of dental treatments focused on rehabilitating dental health and restoring mouth function. And good dental health, in turn, is needed to keep the body and mind healthy.

However, there are several advantages of visiting a dentist which people usually overlook. Dentists are best placed with their experience and professional knowledge to identify warning signals. For instance, patients with problems like wisdom teeth can go to a dentist and opt for a wisdom teeth removal at their own convenience. Getting them removed early can prevent more complex problems down the line. Another advantage to these check-ups is that treating minor problems saves the patient from spending more money on fixing complex problems later. Complex dental problems are also more likely to need more invasive procedures carried out. Dental problems are entirely preventable which means identifying them in the early stages is important. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to spot potential issues like impacted wisdom teeth early, before they can cause more significant dental health problems. Removing wisdom teeth or treating other minor issues promptly can avoid the need for more complex, expensive, and invasive procedures later on.

Dental phobia can influence physical health too in two ways. Dental decay can make biting and chewing painful which can result in nutritional deficiencies and a weakened immune system. Gum disease is another dental problem that worsens without professional dental care. The bacteria that cause gum diseases have been linked to medical conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases that are potentially fatal.

It is an embarrassing smile that impacts mental and psychosocial health. Dental issues such as crooked teeth, missing teeth and discoloured teeth are smile challenges that lead to a drop in confidence. Without confidence, a person may find it challenging to enjoy a healthy social life or get hired.

At the end of the day, good dental health as well as a strong physical body and a healthy mind all work together to improve the quality of life you live. This is why it is important to take control of your dental fears to ensure that you reduce the likelihood of dental problems and the loss of your confident smile. Getting help to manage dental phobia is one of the best gifts you can give your body and mind. The first step is to find a dental clinic that accommodates nervous patients.