There are people who would rather suffer from the paralyzing effects of a toothache than have themselves seen by the dentist. The fear of health professionals is not only unique to dental practitioners but, unlike others, the effects of not seeing them for treatments can have a huge impact on people’s health.
Are you among those with fears of seeing a dentist in Sarnia? Read on to find out more about the impacts this could have on your oral and overall well-being.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is the fear or stress associated with being in a dental setting. Patients usually feel scared about visiting the dentist which often results in them delaying or avoiding treatment.
Anxiety can be triggered by a variety of things. Some have this irrational fear of seeing needles, drills, and other dental tools. Others stem from the thought that their conditions are worse and demand more demanding procedures.
Individuals with mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or previous head and neck trauma may be predisposed to have dental anxiety.
Effects of Dental Anxiety
Avoiding getting dental treatments can result in a lot of problems, including the following:
Risk of tooth loss
There are different studies conducted worldwide to determine the effects of dental anxiety on people’s oral health. A popular one was done by researchers from the King’s College London Dental Institute which was participated by 10,000 participants. It concluded that patients with anxiety had cavities and one or more missing teeth.
Any missing tooth can be replaced but, you need to find a denture clinic in London Ontario to be able to get that. Still, the attention and expertise of dental professionals are required.
Increased risk of gum disease
Gum disease is a problem caused by plaque buildup. Most people with anxiety don’t have themselves checked regularly, therefore, allowing these bacteria buildup. Periodontal disease happens over time and is the result of neglect of the teeth and gums.
The best treatment for gum disease is early detection. A regular visit allows dentists to detect the tartar and perform root scaling and planning to kick the bacteria out.
You develop teeth discolouration
Food and drinks consumed daily can affect the colour of the teeth. Coffee and tea lovers, those who drink alcoholic beverages, and those who smoke often have discoloured teeth.
A way to address this problem is to undergo teeth whitening procedures. The treatment is done to remove the stains and enhance the colour of the enamel. This is not permanent so a patient needs to get regular treatments to maintain a bright smile.
Increased risk for other diseases
Your dental health and overall wellness are linked. If you have poor dental health, your body will also be affected. If you are getting regular checkups, the dentist will detect abnormalities. Bacteria can spread to other parts of the body and can cause inflammation. Several studies have also established a link between poor oral health practices and serious respiratory ailments and diabetes.
You develop halitosis
A foul-smelling breath is a result of a variety of reasons. Some may have problems in their internal organs which result in a foul smell. Most of the time though it is a result of poor oral health practices like not brushing properly, not getting regular teeth cleaning in a Brampton clinic, cavities, and gum problems.
To avoid these problems, regular dental checkups are necessary. For individuals with dental anxiety, taking things one step at a time is important. They can start off with finding a professional that friends and family members trust to establish a connection and proceed to the procedures to address their concerns.