It is not uncommon for people to avoid the dentist. In fact, nearly 36% of the population has a fear of the dentist. So, approximately a third of people do not enjoy going to the dentist. You and your dentist can address your dental anxiety in several ways. You can discuss different forms of sedation to help you relax through your appointments. In addition, you can ask them to explain your procedures to set your mind at ease.
The reason you should work on your dental anxiety is so that you can make your routine dental visits. It is not sufficient to only go to the dentist when you have an emergency or if you are in pain. The best way to take care of your teeth is to visit your dentist regularly. Actually, dentists recommend that you visit them at least twice a year. You may find this excessive, but there are many reasons why you need to see your dentist regularly.
Early Detection
Every time you go to the dentist, you receive a complete oral exam. During this exam, your dental team will take x-rays of your mouth and look at your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This thorough exam will give them a fuller picture of your oral health. Not only will they be able to see if you have any issues, but they can see if you are developing more severe problems.
For example, cavities are extremely common problems that dentists address. A cavity is a pit or hole that forms in the enamel of your tooth. As it progresses, it burrows further into the tooth until it reaches the nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Without treatment, a cavity can turn into an infection or cause a tooth to be extracted. Instead, your dentist can perform a simple dental filling to avoid any significant complications. In addition, you won’t have to undergo any major procedures because your dentist caught the cavity early.
Fix Current Issues
When you go to the dentist, you can discuss any issues that you are having. Some of these problems may seem minor to you. However, your dentist may identify them as symptoms of a more significant issue. Or, they may be able to make your life easier by eliminating a minor problem.
Dry mouth is a condition that may seem like a small inconvenience to you. A dry mouth just seems like a dry mouth. However, dry mouth can lead to other problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist can help you alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Additionally, your dentist may identify red or swollen gums during your exam. This may go unnoticed by you, or it may not seem important. However, your dentist might recognize this as gingivitis–the beginning of gum disease. Therefore, it is essential to treat gum disease as soon as possible. Untreated gum disease can lead to infection, loose or missing teeth, or bone loss.
It is better if your dentist has the opportunity to catch problems early.