Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of the Dentist

Introduction

Many adults pass on their dental phobia to their children, which sets the stage for the pattern to repeat itself. (Envato Elements pic)

Most people are aware they should get their teeth checked at least once a year, but how many actually do? “If it doesn’t hurt, there’s no need to do anything” is a common misconception. Unfortunately, this only allows small problems to escalate into bigger issues.

The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Care

By the time most adults drag their feet to the dentist, they are in considerable pain or have functional issues. The problem requires more extensive corrective action, which usually results in more pain and higher costs.

Breaking the Cycle of Fear

Many adults pass on their dental phobia to their children, which sets the stage for the pattern to repeat itself. This can be detrimental to oral health among people of all ages, said Dr. Seow Liang Lin from the school of dentistry at a university in Kuala Lumpur.

Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries – or tooth decay of the baby teeth – is common among infants and young children. Tooth decay is also prevalent in older children and teens, who are more likely to consume processed foods, sugary snacks and drinks.

Turning Things Around

Here’s how to turn things around.

Get an Early Start

As children start to develop teeth from around six months of age, parents should familiarise them with dental visits by the time they turn one.

Invest in the Relationship

Seow has personally encountered a range of patients in her practice. One of them was so terrified that he needed his whole family to accompany him for emotional support. Another had teeth that showed signs of erosion owing to the self-induced vomiting characteristic of bulimia.

Don’t Be Afraid, Be Proactive

When it comes to adults, it is never too late to begin the journey to better oral health. “If you have always shied away from dental checkups, try bringing a friend along for support, or plan for a small treat afterward to help turn a dental visit into something you can look forward to,” Seow advised.

Factors to Consider

Some factors can impact oral health, including:

* Smoking, which reduces blood supply to the gums, aggravating gum problems and making tooth loss more common among smokers.
* Diabetes, which impacts healing ability. As a result, individuals with diabetes are more likely to have poor gum health. Meanwhile, good gum health has been linked with better sugar control in diabetic patients.
* Cardiovascular disease: epidemiological studies indicate an association between gum disease (periodontitis) and coronary heart disease. Other research shows a close link between gum inflammatory reactions and significantly higher risks of adverse cardiovascular events.
* Taking calcium channel blockers – a common drug for hypertension – carries a risk of developing overgrowth of gums, aka gingival hyperplasia. This can make it harder to floss and brush effectively, allowing food particles to get trapped that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
* Radiotherapy treatment, when used to treat cancers of the head and neck, affects the salivary glands. Saliva contains calcium and calcium carbonate to buffer the effects of acids produced by bacteria. With reduced saliva production, there is less protection against erosion, making teeth more prone to decay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to prioritize oral health and not be afraid of the dentist. By introducing your child to the dentist at a young age, you will help them feel more secure whenever they need their teeth checked. As an adult, it is never too late to begin the journey to better oral health. Remember to be proactive, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help.

FAQs

Q: What are the consequences of neglecting dental care?
A: Small problems can escalate into bigger issues, resulting in pain, functional issues, and higher costs.

Q: How can I overcome my fear of the dentist?
A: Bring a friend or family member for support, or plan a small treat after the visit to make it a more positive experience.

Q: What factors can impact oral health?
A: Smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, calcium channel blockers, and radiotherapy treatment can all affect oral health.

Q: How can I ensure my child has good oral health?
A: Introduce them to the dentist at a young age, and make regular checkups a part of your routine.