According to the National Institutes of Health, a little more than a third of the U.S. population is afraid of going to the dentist. Dental anxiety, known as dentophobia, is real. That anxiety often translates into an avoidance of the dentist altogether and, ultimately, the potential for major dental problems.
Our EWTF members and dependents have access to premium dental care coverage through United Concordia Dental so finding a convenient and qualified provider and having coverage
for dental care is not a concern for our participants.
Dentophobia? Well, that’s its own challenge.
There are many things those with dental anxiety can
do to alleviate some of the stress of visiting a dental provider and receiving treatment. Most importantly, it may be helpful to know what could happen if you do not receive regular dental care. Poor dental care can lead to:
- Complications from diabetes
- Decayed teeth
- Gum disease
- Heart disease
- Missing teeth
- Pneumonia and respiratory conditions
All of these could require even more advanced medical/dental care than if you just participated in regular preventative dental visits!
If you suffer from dentophobia, you can manage it in much the same way you would manage anxiety or fear in general. Techniques such as exposure therapy (exposure to the very things triggering your concern), acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, distraction, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and sedation can all be quite effective.
It is also important to choose a dental provider who understands your concerns/dentophobia. Such providers are known as fear-free dentists. Schedule a consultation with a dentist before having a care visit or procedure and be honest about your fears with that provider. You may want to visit your chosen provider at a less busy time of day to create a more relaxing experience or even establish a signal with your dental provider to indicate that you may need a break during the visit/procedure.
Don’t let a fear of the dentist lead to more complicated health concerns. Keep your smile pearly white and keep yourself in good health.