Reasons People Do Not Go to the Dentist

Going to the dentist is an experience that most people do not enjoy, but for some, a trip to the dentist paralyzes them in fear. Dental anxiety can prevent people from seeking dental care, which can risk their dental --- not to mention overall --- health. According to a 2004 study by Rod Moore, Inger Brodsgaard and Nicole Rosenberg of the University of Aarhus, embarrassment, fear of pain and powerlessness are common reasons why people do not make regular visits to the dentist.

Embarrassment

• When you go to the dentist, you have to let your inhibitions down and let your dentist and hygienist clean and inspect inside your mouth. This experience can cause a great deal of embarrassment for some dental patients. The 2004 study by Moore, Brodsgaard and Rosenberg revealed that 27 of the 30 patients studied reported embarrassment as a key reason why they did not go to the dentist. Often, this embarrassment stems from poor dental hygiene or perceived neglect of their teeth. Patients are often afraid that the dentist will judge or lecture them about their dental hygiene.

Fear of Pain

• The fear of pain might stem from a previous painful experience at the dentist that scarred them emotionally. Or perhaps they have heard horror stories about dental experiences from friends or family members. In the 2004 study, 30 percent of interviewed patients had a fear of pain. Even though most dental procedures aren't particularly invasive, patients often fear needles that are used to administer Novocain or the discomfort associated with a basic dental cleaning. In addition to fearing the injection itself, others fear that the anesthetic will wear off, exposing them to unnecessary pain, according to World Dental. These natural fears of pain can keep patients away from the dentist for years --- or decades.

Loss of Control

• Powerlessness can be a factor that prevents people from seeing their dentist regularly. Moore, Brodsgaard and Rosenberg's study revealed that almost half of all patients felt a loss of control that prevented them from going to the dentist. Dental patients are in a vulnerable position, lying in a chair with their mouth open and exposed to their dentist or hygienist. They cannot control what is going on in their mouth, and they often can't even talk to let the dentist know their concerns.