Categories: Dental Anxiety

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of the Dentist

There are many people out there who are afraid of the dentist, but most of these feelings are unfounded. A dentist's clinic is not a place that should refresh negative memories in the patient's mind. A dentist clinic should represent a place people go to get rid of pain and discomfort,

About 75 percent of people in the U.S. report some extent of dental anxiety, so patients have a large support group they can tap into whenever they need some encouragement. That can be a source of extra motivation for patients who typically wait until dental complications become more severe before visiting a dentist.

Why regular visits to the dentist are important

The reality is that regular visits to the dentist are a vital part of maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile. Here are five reasons why patients should never be afraid to go to the dentist:

1. The dentist is there to help

It is always necessary for patients to remember that dentists are there to help them in the first place. It is in the dentist's best interest to make sure each procedure is as comfortable as possible for patients since this makes them more likely to stick with their services. Patients should communicate openly with the dentist if they are fearful or anxious since there are many things a dentist can do to make them more comfortable.

2. Not visiting a dentist regularly makes things worse

Regular visits to the dentist ensure developing issues are detected in the early stages. That means less complicated treatments are needed, which in turn means the patient will have to spend less time in the dental chair. That is a huge plus for anyone who does not want to be there in the first place. During dental visits, the dentist will also remove tartar from the patient's teeth. This preventative measure helps to keep tooth decay under control.

3. It costs less

Regular visits to the dentist allow restorations to begin before extensive damage is done to the patient's teeth. Allowing oral issues to fester leads to higher dental bills and more time spent in the dental chair.

4. One bad apple does not mean all dentists are bad

One of the most popular reasons why people are afraid of the dentist is due to negative experiences in the past. Patient's should always remember that not all dentists are the same, and for every bad one, there are millions of positive dentists out there who will go out of their way to ensure their patients are comfortable at all times.

5. Patients end up with a great smile

Regular visits to the dentist often result in a great smile. Common issues like tooth decay and gum disease are kept at bay with regular cleanings and examinations, and that allows patients to keep their natural teeth for most of their lives. When a tooth structures fail, regular visits to the dentist ensures an appropriate prosthetic is quickly used as a replacement.