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5 reasons why you may not like visiting the dentist

It’s no secret that most of us don’t enjoy the prospect of visiting the dentist. There are plenty of reasons for this. What you probably don’t understand though, is that the reasons we hate the idea of going to the dentist are, in most cases, due to a range of common myths and misconceptions.

The top 5 reasons given for avoiding the dentist include:

  • Anxiety
  • Fear (of pain, needles or drill)
  • Expense
  • Being lectured
  • Too busy

Too many of us base our feelings about the dentist on childhood experiences and the projected feelings of our parents or even grandparents.

You need to know that visiting a modern dentist in the 21st century is a very different experience than it was even 20 years ago. With better technology, better pain medications, and less invasive techniques, there’s really no reason to be ambivalent about your regular dental check ups…

Busting the myths…

1. Anxiety

This general apprehension or even dread which occurs before an appointment is difficult to overcome once you let it take hold. Like most anxieties, however, it is not based on reality. It still has the impact of putting you on edge, which is exhausting, and you’re depleted before your appointment even begins.

In time, and after good dental experiences, this will abate – but in the meantime, if you are a very anxious client, your dentist can use mild sedation and relaxation techniques.

Handy hints: Feel free to bring in your own music player and earphones to help you relax and zone out.

2. Fear

A good oral health therapist (who will often be the one cleaning your teeth) and other dental health professionals in the team will explain each step of what they’re doing, give you small breaks, and show you basic cleaning tools so you can see that they aren’t that scary. Newer drills are quieter and smoother than those of the past. With better dental care and an emphasis on prevention these days they are needed less often.

3. Expense

The cost of dentistry can be high due to the importance of using high quality dental materials approved by Australian standards that are safest for dental treatment. Many people avoid going to the dentist saying they just can’t afford it. They also may not place a lot of value on their dental health, failing to understand that dental health impacts overall health and wellbeing.

Fortunately, payment plans are available.  Ask us what we can do to help.

4. Lecturing

There is nothing worse than being scolded by your dentist. You feel like a naughty child who has failed to behave. Remember that the delivery might not be ideal all the time, but your dentist’s message is given with your best interests in mind.

The best dental health professionals will impart advice and information in a gentle and empathetic way.

5. Time

Yes, you are too busy to go to the dentist. But, you know, you’re really not. The time to see a dentist for a regular check-up is no longer than stopping for a coffee in a cafe. The time you spend taking care of your dental health now will save immeasurable amounts of time and money in the future.

So what is so scary about the dentist?

If you go regularly (six-monthly for most people) and look after your teeth in between visits, there’s really nothing to be afraid of. It’s easy to schedule an appointment with our efficient dentists and oral health therapists at Myer Street Dental Clinic in Geelong, and to be in and out before work, after work, on a day off, Saturdays or even during your lunch break.

Call us on (03) 5222 4599 for the very best in dental care today.