WHY A DENTAL PHOBIA CAN LEAD TO BAD ORAL HEALTH

Posted on 2/20/2023 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center

Being afraid of dentists or dental procedures results in poor oral hygiene. This fear stems from several factors, like previous traumatic experiences with dentists or fear of needles. Dental phobia can lower your quality of life.

Avoiding dental check-ups can negatively affect your oral health in the following ways.

Leads to Tooth Decay

Tooth decay starts as an ignored cavity. With early intervention, the dentist will clean your cavity and fill it. Delay in visiting your dentist will lead to tooth decay because bacteria's continuous growth eventually reaches the nerves.

Missing teeth

Missing teeth are common in people who have dental phobia. Avoid short-term solutions like taking pain relievers for toothaches. It is important to make an appointment with your dentist once you notice an issue with your teeth. A delay in doing so can lead to permanent loss of teeth.

Mouth Cancer

If you are a drinker or a smoker, you need to visit your dentist once you notice a mouth ulcer lasting more than two weeks. Avoid treating it with self-prescribed antibiotics as this could be a symptom of mouth cancer, and if caught early, it can be cured.

Leads to Periodontal Diseases

Failing to visit your dentist puts you at great risk of gum disease. Once you notice a change in the color of your gums, experience pain, or are swollen, be quick to seek dental care. Gum diseases may arise if these symptoms are untreated.

Conclusion

Patients can overcome dental phobia by talking to their dentist about the available treatment options, like sedation dentistry, instead of avoiding treatment until it's too late. Making an early visit to the dentist will save you from complex dental procedures that would have saved your teeth if caught early.

Board certified in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery

The surgical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school.

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1133 E. Stanley Blvd. #215 • Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: 925-290-7727 Fax: 925-294-8800
Email: info@pacificofs.com

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2160 W. Grant Line Road #160 • Tracy, CA 95377
Phone: 209-835-4600 • Fax: 209-835-8833
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Dental Blog | Livermore & Tracy CA | Michael Beckley DDS
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Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center, 1133 E Stanley Blvd #215, Livermore, CA 94550 + 925-290-7727 + pacificofs.com + 12/4/2024 + Page Keywords: oral surgeon Livermore +