One of the most common reasons that people fear the dentist is the spreading of dental myths, or horror stories, from friends or colleagues. These myths can put people off visiting the dentist even if they badly need treatment. This neglect can lead to more long term and serious oral health problems, and often result in long, painful and expensive surgery.

Here are some of the most common myths that you are likely to hear concerning dental fear and visiting the dentist. It is so important to remember that visiting the dentist is something that in necessary to do on a regular basis

Myth: The dentist does not have time for people who are nervous like me and who need a lot of encouragement and support whist having treatment.

Fact: Our dentist are all specially trained to support and work with patients who are obviously nervous about undergoing treatment, and have done so on numerous occasions. There is no need to think that you are making our job harder than it needs to be as this is in fact part of our job, and we are there to make sure you feel comfortable and happy with your treatment.

Myth: The dentist will be completely shocked and appalled by the state of my mouth.

Fact: We are trained medical professional who has seen countless people with extremely poor oral health. You will be absolutely nowhere near the worst that we have seen. Even if your mouth is in a bad condition, we are here to help you and will go about your treatment in a professional manner. If you feel that your mouth is this bad, then this is a great reason to visit your dentist!

Myth: There is nothing that I can do to help myself overcome my fear.

Fact: There are loads of things that you can do to help yourself visit the dentist and overcome your fear! There are lots of practical methods and techniques that can be used.

Myth: Going to the dentist and having an injection into my gum will be excruciatingly painful.

Fact: This is not always the case. Often patients can take painkillers to take away the pain, as well as this, we  use distraction techniques to try to take your mind away from what is happening. Modern advances in technology mean that there are new ways to make painless injections into the gums.

Myth: When I go to the dentist I have no way of knowing what is going on, and have no control whatsoever.

Fact: This is a common source of fear for people who are nervous about visiting the dentist. Before you undergo any dental treatment you can make pre visits and ask any of our dentists to explain in detail about the procedure that you are going to undertake.

Myth: As long as my teeth seem okay, and I’m not experiencing any problems, I don’t need to visit the dentist.

Fact: Regular check ups at the dentist are extremely important. You may think that your teeth are fine, but a visit to the dentist to make sure is always advisable. If you do find that you need treatment, it is much easier, less painful to treat early. Leaving it could result in having much more lengthy and expensive surgery.

Myth: Some dental conditions such as gum disease are completely natural, and visiting the dentist regularly will not stop it.

Fact: Gum disease is certainly not completely natural and unable to be avoided. Gum disease is caused by a build up of dental plaque and by not brushing properly. This and other oral health problems can be avoided by visiting the dentist regularly.

Myth: Maintaining Good Dental Health is difficult

Fact: Maintaining good oral health is not at all difficult, but you do have to be pro active about it, and not just assume that everything is fine. Simple things such as brushing twice a day, seeing your dentist regularly and having a good balanced diet all help to keep your oral health in top condition. There’s nothing too difficult about that is there?

Myth: Going for regular check ups at the dentist is not important.

Fact: Going to the dentist for regular check ups & cleanings is absolutely crucial in making sure that you have good oral health. Regularly visiting the dentist helps to prevent cavities, root canals, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental conditions. Get to your dentist before these problems get to you.

Myth: Dental problems go away without any visiting the dentist

Fact: This is simply not the case. If you experience a problem with your oral health, leaving it alone and taking pain killers will not help. You should visit your dentist and get to the bottom of the problem. Leaving it alone will mean that it only gets worse, and you may be forced to undergo much more lengthy, painful and expensive treatment than you would have if you had seen your dentist straight away.

If you have not seen the dentists recently, are experiencing dental problems or have a fear of the dentists please contact us to help you. You cann call our reception team on 02866 329222 email sinead@belmoredental.co.uk or even booking online. Check out our patient testimonials to see how we have helped other dental phobic patients.

Posted on 05 August 2014 by Belmore Dental Implant & Facial Clinic