Almost no one thinks of a dental cleaning with fondness or excitement, but for 10-15% of Americans the thought of visiting a dentist is so terrifying they can't bring themselves to do it on a regular basis.
Some people experience dental anxiety so extreme that it becomes a phobia- an intense, irrational fear or dread attached to the idea of being in a dentists' chair.
The ironic thing is that the longer you stay away from the dentist, whatever the reason, the more likely you are to develop problems that will require more intensive treatment than the regular checkup and cleaning.
Figuring out exactly what you're afraid of is a big step in conquering your dental anxieties.
Below are a few of the more common stressors for dental patients, and some suggestions for lessening the fear you may feel so that you can get in the habit of making regular dental appointments.
-Noise A dental cleaning can be a noisy affair; there's a lot of equipment to buzz, whir, scrape and swish.
For some people the noise of dental instruments against their teeth sets off a fear response, and it's understandable- there's a foreign object making loud noises in your mouth, a very personal area.
A good solution is to bring headphones and a personal music player to your appointment.
You can also let your dentist know that some of the noises of dental equipment tend to startle you, and ask him or her to let you know before he starts using anything particularly noisy.
-Dental tools For someone with dental phobia, the sight of a tray full of sharp, shiny, mysterious objects can be pretty stressful, and knowing those mysterious objects are about to be used on your teeth is even worse.
Your dentist may be able to help assuage these fears by giving you a quick rundown of what each tool is used for.
You can also ask them to let you know when they're switching tools, and to show you what they're about to use so you aren't alarmed.
-Lack of knowledge about the procedure This especially applies to those who haven't been to a dentist in some time.
If it's been so long since your last checkup that you only have hazy memories of being frightened and uncomfortable, it's no wonder you're having a hard time making that next appointment.
A fairly easy solution is to ask your dentist what your exam and checkup will entail before getting started.
He or she can explain the various parts of the procedure to you and address any particular concerns you may have.
-Traumatic memories A lot of patients with dental phobias develop them after a particularly unpleasant dental experience.
A painful procedure or harrowing surgery, especially for a young person, can nurture the idea that the dentist is all fear and discomfort.
However, like any medical field, the techniques and equipment used by dentists are constantly being updated and modernized.
If there's a certain part of a cleaning or piece of equipment you found utterly intolerable, bring it to your dentist's attention before your exam begins.
Chances are they will be able to calm your fears by telling you what has changed about that particular aspect of your exam.
Don't be afraid to look around for a dentist who makes you feel comfortable, and who is willing to address your concerns and work with you on lessening your anxiety.
If you'd like to talk to your dentist about your worries and ask questions before your exam, it can be helpful to schedule an initial meeting just to see the office, be introduced to the dentist and discuss any potential issues before committing yourself to their care.