{"id":174,"date":"2021-10-06T19:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T19:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificviewdentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=174"},"modified":"2021-11-23T19:11:58","modified_gmt":"2021-11-23T19:11:58","slug":"why-you-shouldnt-let-dental-fear-keep-you-from-seeing-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificviewdentalgroup.com\/blog\/2021\/10\/06\/why-you-shouldnt-let-dental-fear-keep-you-from-seeing-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Shouldn\u2019t Be Afraid of Your Dentist This Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Halloween is a time when you can loosen up and find amusement in the things that easily frighten you. Although it\u2019s okay to be afraid of haunted houses, scary movies, and creepy costumes, there\u2019s one fear that\u2019s not so harmless \u2013 dental fear. It may not seem like a big deal to be afraid of the dentist because of how common it is, but it can actually damage your oral health if you let it get to you. In this blog post, we\u2019ll discuss how dental fear can be a serious problem and why you shouldn\u2019t let it keep you from seeing your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Is Dental Fear a Problem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone is afraid of something \u2013 it\u2019s completely normal! While being fearful is never a problem in itself, it\u2019s whether or not you let that fear control your behavior that\u2019s an issue. Unfortunately, the latter is usually the case in patients with dental fear<\/a>. It keeps them from seeing their dentist unless absolutely necessary, meaning they\u2019re at higher risk of decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Neglecting preventive dental care (i.e., oral examinations, teeth cleanings, routine X-rays) can increase your chances of needing more complex and expensive dental work down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Does your dental fear keep you from seeing your dentist every six months? Here\u2019s what you\u2019re missing out on when you skip these preventive visits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Cancer Screening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At every bi-annual appointment, your dentist checks for signs and symptoms of oral cancer. If caught during the early stages, it\u2019s easily treatable with standard treatment. However, early detection is critical as oral cancer can quickly spread and become life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Teeth Cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re diligent about brushing and flossing, some areas in your mouth can\u2019t be reached no matter how hard you try. Luckily, professional dental cleanings can help. Your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your mouth before it becomes destructive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If plaque and tartar build up, it can lead to an infection known as gingivitis, which is a chronic state of gum inflammation. It\u2019s one of the first signs of gum disease, meaning there\u2019s still a chance to treat it and reverse it during this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Detection of Underlying Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During routine checkups, your teeth and jawbone are usually x-rayed. These images allow your dentist to get a better view of what\u2019s happening beneath the surfaces of your mouth and detect issues that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Overcome Dental Fear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have dental fear, here are some ways you can overcome it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n