{"id":311,"date":"2021-09-14T15:27:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T15:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilecarefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=311"},"modified":"2021-10-07T15:28:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-07T15:28:39","slug":"dental-fear-why-you-shouldnt-be-afraid-of-the-dentist-this-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilecarefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/dental-fear-why-you-shouldnt-be-afraid-of-the-dentist-this-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Shouldn\u2019t Be Afraid of the Dentist This Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Halloween is certainly one of the scariest times of the year. From haunted houses to scary movies to fun pranks, it\u2019s exciting to get into the spirit of All Hallows\u2019 Eve and find amusement in the things that easily frighten us. However, there\u2019s one place that terrifies people year-round, even though there\u2019s no reason to be afraid of it \u2013 the dentist\u2019s office. Although it may not seem like a big deal, here\u2019s how dental fear can affect your oral health and why you shouldn\u2019t let it prevent you from regularly seeing your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Problem with Dental Fear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being fearful of something is not a problem in itself. After all, we all<\/em> have something we\u2019re afraid of! The real problem is whether or not you allow that fear to control your behavior. Unfortunately, that\u2019s what happens to most people with dental fear. It keeps them from seeing their dentist<\/a> on a regular basis, leaving them more prone to decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. It\u2019s never a good idea to put off cleanings and exams, as doing so can increase your chances of needing more complicated dental treatments down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Regularly See Your Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you thinking about skipping your dentist appointment because of dental fear? Here are some of the most important reasons why you should see your dentist regularly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Did you know that your dentist checks for oral cancer at every bi-annual visit? It\u2019s a severe disease that can become life-threatening if left untreated. To aid in early detection, your dentist will search for signs and symptoms of oral cancer. If caught during the early stages, it\u2019s often easily treatable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental Cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re diligent about brushing and flossing, the nooks and crannies can\u2019t be cleaned without professional help. A regular dental cleaning takes care of plaque, tartar, and bacteria before it becomes destructive. It\u2019s also more affordable than a filling, so try not to miss your bi-annual cleaning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

If plaque and tartar build up, it can lead to an infection known as gingivitis. This chronic state of gum inflammation is one of the first signs of gum disease. By attending regular cleanings, your dentist can catch and address gingivitis before it becomes more severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detect Underlying Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A crucial part of your checkups is getting your teeth and jawbone x-rayed. These images allow your dentist to see what\u2019s happening beneath the surfaces of your mouth. That way, they can detect and treat underlying issues that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

If you\u2019re experiencing dental fear, here are some ways you can overcome it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n