This Halloween, Don’t Let the Thought of Visiting the Dentist Scare You

Being scared is part of the fun of Halloween, but a fear of the dentist is decidedly less enjoyable. Over three-quarters of adults have some form of dental fear or anxiety, and as a result, many of them don’t visit the dentist’s office nearly as often as they should. Below is a quick look at the reasons why you should get your dental fears under control – as well as why visiting the dentist isn’t as frightening as you might think it is!

The Importance of Controlling Your Dental Fears

If you want to keep your smile healthy for Halloween and the rest of the year, then you can’t let your fears keep you away from the dental chair. If you don’t visit the dentist regularly, it could lead to the following issues:

• Oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease may go undetected until they have already reached their advanced stages.
• Warning signs of oral cancer may go overlooked, thus causing you to miss your chance to have the problem diagnosed and treated early.
• Without regular professional cleanings, plaque and tartar could be allowed to accumulate in certain parts of your mouth, leading to cavities and other problems.

Why You Don’t Need to Be Afraid of the Dentist

Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be nearly as frightening as many people believe it to be. Here are some of the reasons why you don’t need to be afraid to pick up the phone and schedule a dental appointment:

• Your dentist is used to working with nervous patients, and you can always count on them to take whatever steps are needed to help you stay comfortable. (And if you let them know about your dental fears, they’ll be sure to take that into account when caring for your smile.)
• Many practices offer nitrous oxide sedation, which can help keep you in a relaxed state during your appointment. You don’t have to worry about nitrous oxide sedation disrupting the rest of your day since the effects will wear off quickly once your treatment is complete.
• By being proactive about seeing the dentist and having problems dealt with while they’re still small, you can often avoid needing more invasive treatments.

Are you tired of letting your dental fears control your life? Reach out to your dentist today to see how they can help. Once you put your fears behind you, there will be nothing standing between you and a beautiful, healthy smile.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer was born in Petaluma, and he’s proud to be able to bring high-quality dentistry to his hometown. He has been voted the Best Dentist in Petaluma for six years in a row. He cares about keeping his patients comfortable, which is why his practice offers nitrous oxide sedation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koenitzer before or after Halloween, visit his website or call (707) 766-6666.