Are you afraid of the dentist? If you are, don't worry; you're not alone. An estimated 19% of people in the U.S. suffer from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety can sometimes keep you from getting important preventative care that keeps your teeth healthy. To keep your teeth in good shape, you must learn how to stop fearing the dentist. Keep reading, and we'll give you some tips for doing just that. We'll also point you to the best dental services in Calgary.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a fear of going to the dentist. Dental anxiety can be moderate for some people and debilitating for others. Some people are afraid of the dentist because they are afraid of the discomfort and occasional pain that dental instruments can cause. Some people are afraid of trusting their oral health to a stranger. This is understandable, as people with healthy teeth may not have a close relationship with their dentist. It is normal to feel a little nervous about going to see any doctor, including the dentist. However, dental anxiety becomes problematic when it keeps you from seeking out necessary dental care.
How to Overcome Dental Anxiety
Overcoming dental anxiety is crucial to keeping your teeth healthy. When you put off going to the dentist, you are more likely to develop anxiety-inducing health problems. There are many ways to ease your anxiety at the dentist. Harvard Health suggests communicating with your dentist about your anxiety, so they can help you feel comfortable. You can ask your dentist to explain everything they are doing so that you never feel out of the loop. You can also ask your dentist to talk with you about unrelated things, like the weather, sports, or what they did over the weekend. You should also focus on remaining calm while you're waiting for your appointment to begin. Bring something fun to do in the waiting room, and try not to arrive too early.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
Your teeth cannot stay healthy without regular dental checkups. Ideally, you should see your dentist once every 6-12 months. Even if nothing is visibly wrong with your teeth and gums, you still need regular dental care. Your teeth need to be deeply cleaned and examined periodically to prevent infections and gum disease in the future. Most routine dental appointments focus on preventative care. The sooner your dentist spots a problem with your teeth, the easier and cheaper it will be to deal with. When you put off going to the dentist, you risk worsening any dental problems you may have.
Find Dental Services in Calgary
The best dentists know how to help you combat your dental anxiety. That's why Bite Dental is committed to providing the most compassionate dental services in Calgary. The sooner you see a dentist, the fewer dental issues you'll have to deal with. Meet your fears head-on and contact a dentist near you today!