Studies show people avoiding dental visits due to anxiety

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? You’re not alone. New research from the private health sector has found that large numbers of Brits are too scared to make dental appointments.

An estimated one in 20 people avoid receiving dental treatment. In around a third of cases, this is due to fear or negative experiences in the past.
A further 10% of those surveyed delayed making their appointments. Around 40% weren’t entirely frank with their dentists about sharing their anxieties either.

Yet of those who do, an estimated 45% find that their dental consultations benefit them. This is why dentists are keen to reach out to nervous patients to reassure them. Many dental practices are busy creating more comfortable environments designed to put minds at rest. Excessive anxiety can be detrimental to a patient’s overall mental health and wellbeing.

What can dental practices do to reassure patients?

The survey found that patients primarily looked for the most painless treatment possible in a calm, friendly and relaxing environment. About a third of respondents called for a clearer explanation of surgical procedures, while 20% thought soothing music would be beneficial.

Leading dentist Dr Anni Seaborne says that the survey findings illustrated the psychological importance of making patients feel at ease. She stressed that it is important to win the trust of patients. Putting off dental treatment is a dangerous approach that could endanger people’s oral health further down the line. The longer you wait, the more complicated dental surgery can be.

At Art of Dental Care, we put our patients at the heart of everything we do. If you’re looking for services such as orthodontics or Invisalign in Flint, Mold or Chester, get in touch with the team at Art of Dental care today.