Why You Might Be Scared Of The Dentist

The dentist gets an undeserved reputation for being the "bringer of pain." And while getting a cavity filled isn't exactly fun in any sense, it also isn't as bad as many people make it out to be. So why are so many people filled with fear when it comes to making a dental appointment as opposed to say a doctor's visit? There are several hypotheses for why getting a tooth pulled can seem scarier than holding a snake or jumping off a plane.

Unknown:
It's a common saying that what people fear most is the unknown, and this idea can be applied to a dentist visit as well. For the same reason that people delay visiting a doctor, even when they know something is probably wrong—we don't want to know. We'd rather remain ignorant than be told we have to have a surgical procedure or that we're going to lose a tooth. Money is also a factor, and with dental procedures rarely covered by insurance, it can be scary not knowing the size of your bill.

Movies:
There have been several movies released that depict the dentist as a frightening and sadistic monster. Titles such as The Dentist, Dr. Giggles, and even Little Shop of Horrors don't flatter the profession and have likely contributed to generations of children terrified of sitting in the chair and being poked and prodded by dangerously sharp instruments of torture. They are also often shown as appearing monstrous or slightly demonic. These images can leave long lasting imprints on even an older child or an adult's mind, which means you can't expect to lose your fear or anxiety overnight.

Nature:
Our mouths, teeth, and gums are highly sensitive areas of the body, filled with touchy nerve endings. Just like our fingertips and toes, a little cut or bump can cause much more intense pain than if the injury had occurred on a tougher area. There's also a lot happening inside of our mouths at any one given time. Our tongues are constantly moving, saliva is always being produced, and we need to speak, eat, breathe, and use the oral cavity for a huge variety of essential tasks. When you break an arm, you can immobilize it temporarily which will result in less pain and trauma. When you break a tooth, you don't have that option. You have to get it fixed or replaced. A visit to the dentist, therefore, can be highly stressful because you are not guaranteed immediate pain relief.

So how do you fight your fears? Some people meditate, exercise, or listen to music before their visit to calm their nerves and relieve anxiety. Taking good care of your smile at home is also helpful, as it will increase your oral health and greatly decreases infections and disease. There are some dental offices that specialize in dealing with people who are greatly fearful, and seeking one out can help you overcome some of your problems. Going to your appointment with a friend or family member is another method of reducing anxiety.