There is No Need to be Embarrassed or Fearful
At Blanco Crossing Dental, Dr. Jabbour and his staff frequently welcome patients who, for a variety of reasons, are too embarrassed to go to the dentist for the dental care that is required to ensure their oral health.
Dental anxiety is common among our general dentistry patients, which is why our Stone Oak dental office prides itself on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for people just like you.
You’re not alone. Many people have the same fear or embarrassment. There is nothing to be ashamed of.
Here, we cover many of the reasons why people are embarrassed to visit their dentist — or other health professionals. We also discuss why their fears are unfounded, and oftentimes negatively impact their health.
Your Teeth and Dental Health Are Too Important to Ignore
Thinking back, when was your last checkup? Do you feel that you do not have a healthy mouth? Are there obvious signs of a dental problem like tooth decay? If it was more than a year, you are due. If it was longer, it is even more important to schedule an appointment — that dental anxiety can creep up on you and you may end up treating your dental appointment as something you’ll get to eventually. This only makes your dental phobia worse.
If your oral hygiene is not up to par, issues such as bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and periodontal disease could progress to a much more serious situation. Dental problems do not resolve themselves. They only get worse over time and can cause further problems.
Something as simple as a cavity could be resolved in one appointment. If not addressed, a tooth can decay to the point where a more intrusive method to resolve it would be needed, such as a root canal or possible extraction. The first line of defense in dental health is regular checkups.
The Health of Your Mouth is Linked to Your Overall Physical Health
Your oral and overall health are interlaced. Issues in your mouth can affect other things in your body, and vice versa. Neglecting your teeth can put your overall health at risk and may lead to bone loss.
It is not unusual for people who avoid the dentist to also avoid all doctor visits. Start with a dental checkup. It’s not as scary as you think.
Improving Your Smile Will Give You Confidence
Modern dentistry can do a lot of great things to improve your smile and oral health. If you’re looking to keep your teeth healthy, a regular dental appointment is key. People who avoid dental visits, have poor oral hygiene habits, or have neglected their oral health may develop a fear of dentists or simply feel embarrassed. If your fear or shame of dental offices is keeping you from having the confidence a great smile will provide, keep reading.
Why People Put Off the Dentist
So, what are you waiting for? Countless people feel that way, and there are many reasons employed to skip that trip to the dentist. Here are a few of the most common:
1. Trust — Have you had a traumatic experience, or one or more past bad experiences with a dental issue? Maybe that experience has caused you to develop a lack of trust.
2. Tooth loss, broken teeth, or decay — Our culture places a lot of value on a beautiful healthy smile. Because of your oral health issues, you may be apprehensive about going to the dentist if there is a feeling of shame. Delaying or avoiding a dental visit can cause those problems to get worse.
3. Severe dental anxiety or fear of pain — Maybe a past dental visit didn’t go well. Maybe it’s just an irrational fear. Dental treatments can be nerve-racking. According to the National Institutes of Health, 36% of the adult population has dental fear or some other anxiety about going to the dentist. 12% suffer from extreme dental fear.
4. Cost — The worry that this repair is going to be expensive.
If one or more of the above sounds like you, you are not alone. Many people feel the same, and those feelings are normal. We can help resolve those issues.
We will help change your perception about going to the dentist. Your dentist wants you to live better and be healthier. Your dentist is trained to handle a wide variety of problems and has most likely seen it all. Your dentist can identify your issues and develop a treatment plan catered specifically for you — one that can be structured to fit your life, budget, and time.
Overcoming Your Embarrassment of Going to the Dentist
Communicate your concerns. Explain to your dentist why you’re embarrassed before your visit. Sharing your concerns with the dentist and dental staff will help them adapt their treatment to your needs and put you at ease while you’re in the chair.
The American Dental Association’s video on effectively coping with dental anxiety so you can get the dental care you need
Think of the benefits. Addressing any existing issues with your teeth is the only way they’re going to get better, and the rewards go deeper than just your smile. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health; taking care of your teeth is the foundation of a healthy body.
How to Overcome Your Dental Fear or Embarrassment
There are a few tips to help get over your embarrassment or dental anxiety. Your dental health is very important, and you should feel comfortable and safe with your dental team.
1. Open communication — If you are a nervous patient, keep an open line of communication and express your concerns about visiting the dentist.
2. Comfort — An anxious patient will feel more at ease choosing someone who gives them a high level of comfort.
3. Relationship — Make sure the members of your dental team are interested in listening and addressing your physical and emotional needs. That will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable with your experience.
The longer you wait, the more the problems grow. Untreated teeth do not get better on their own. You need the help of a caring, trusted dental professional, and there are many treatment options to improve your smile and oral health.
Are You Ready to Give the Dentist Office Another Try?
Regular checkups aren’t just important for your oral health, but your overall health as well. Your dentist is a professional and their priority is your health. Many are specially trained to deal with patients who may be nervous or have some other phobia, and they look forward to helping you overcome your fears. Modern dentistry has made great strides to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Call Us for a Dental Appointment Now
It is time to get back to the dentist. There really is no reason to be afraid or embarrassed. Putting off dental visits can only lead to more severe — and more expensive — dental problems that can often be prevented with routine visits.
Dr. Jabbour and his staff pride themselves on making your visit comfortable, regardless of how apprehensive you may be about going to the dentist.
Call now at (210) 314-7949, or use the contact form below to get into our office for an exam.
