Routine dental care is just as important as daily brushing and flossing when it comes to preventing common oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Unfortunately, about 35% of adults don’t meet this guideline. One of the most common reasons for this is dental anxiety, which affects roughly 15% of people worldwide. Fear of pain, past negative experiences, and even media portrayals can contribute to this anxiety – but it doesn’t have to keep you from getting the care you need.
How the Media Fuels Dental Anxiety
Dentists are often negatively portrayed in movies, TV shows, and even online content. These depictions can fuel fears and anxieties that make people reluctant to seek dental care. For example, in the 1986 film Little Shop of Horrors, Steve Martin’s character is a sadistic dentist who enjoys inflicting pain, creating a disturbing and exaggerated image of what a dentist is like. Even in lighter movies like Finding Nemo and The In-Laws, dental professionals are depicted in a way that reinforces misconceptions and fears about dental visits.
Social media and the internet also play a role. While people are quick to share stories about negative dental experiences, it’s much less common to see posts about positive encounters. A quick online search can flood you with frightening stories or self-diagnoses that can increase your anxiety and make you expect the worst from a simple dental visit. However, it’s important to remember that these portrayals are far from reality. Dentists are highly trained professionals whose goal is to keep you healthy and help you maintain a beautiful smile.
Why Regular Dental Visits Matter
Seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning is one of the best things you can do to protect your oral health. These preventive visits help catch small issues before they become bigger, more painful problems. For instance, gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) can be treated easily, but if left unchecked, it can lead to tooth loss. Regular dental care not only helps keep your mouth healthy but can also save you money in the long run. For every $1 spent on preventive care, you can save an estimated $50 in future restorative treatment costs.
Easing Dental Anxiety with Sedation Options
If dental anxiety is preventing you from seeing your dentist, sedation dentistry might be the solution for you. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask that helps you relax while remaining conscious. For those with more severe anxiety, oral conscious sedation can help. This involves taking medication before your appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed, making dental procedures much easier to manage.
For patients with extreme anxiety, IV sedation may also be available. This allows for a deeper level of relaxation, where you remain conscious but are less aware of the procedure, helping to alleviate even the most intense fears.
About the Author
Dr. Douglas Baldwin is committed to helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles. If you’re experiencing dental anxiety, he offers sedation dentistry to help you feel at ease in the dental chair. To learn about your options, visit his website or call (817) 592-8626.